SailGP: Black Foils step up into newly shuffled Season 5 lineup in Dubai
by Black Foils Media 19 Nov 2024 17:25 EST
The BlackFoils (NZL) in action on Day 2 - Apex Group Bermuda Sail Grand Prix in Bermuda. Sunday Mat 5, 2024 - © Felix Diemer/SailGP
Arriving in Dubai ahead of the opening event of the biggest SailGP season yet, the Black Foils are thriving on the unknown and enthusiasm of fresh faces in what is expected to be an unpredictable start to racing.
The addition of Leo Takahashi to the Black Foils is just one of many crew movements that has seen the introduction of two new teams and changes to most of the fleet's line ups.
"It's an exciting time for SailGP - we're heading into the new season with new teams and new faces, as well as familiar faces, just not all of them in the same teams we've seen before," Co-CEO Blair Tuke said.
"With that comes unpredictability. It won't necessarily be the same teams at the front of racing from previous years, it'll be about who can pull it together and build momentum the quickest as we get into the new season."
Takahashi is joined by Sam Meech who is a new addition to the coaching team. Tuke is buoyed by the new energy and opportunity that these new team members will bring.
"We're really excited to have Leo on board as our Flight Controller and also to have Sam join our coaching team," Tuke said. "It's great to have fresh faces on the team and with them, new enthusiasm, perspectives and strengths."
"We're going into the start of the season confident that the combination of new blood, along with our existing experience, systems and processes that have delivered us success in the past will have us gelling quickly and pushing for wins."
Takahashi will be joining the familiar faces of Peter Burling (Driver), Blair Tuke (Wing Trimmer), Liv Mackay (Strategist), Louis Sinclair (Grinder) and Marcus Hansen (Grinder) as they take to the water for their first practice day this Thursday.
The Emirates Dubai Sail Grand Prix presented by P&O Marinas will be held this weekend. Catch the action live on Sail-World.com
2025 SailGP Season - Black Foils starting line-up:
- Peter Burling - Co-CEO and Driver
- Blair Tuke - Co-CEO and Wing Trimmer
- Liv Mackay - Strategist
- Leo Takahashi - Flight Controller
- Louis Sinclair - Grinder
- Marcus Hansen - Grinder