New Zealand's Black Foils are heading to the Dubai Sail Grand Prix on 21–22 November following a seven-day training camp in Pensacola, Florida, designed to sharpen boat handling, develop new crew members and strengthen team cohesion ahead of the final two events of the 2026 SailGP season.
The team trained at the American Magic High Performance Centre, home to SailGP's new permanent training base, with an opportunity to work on performance away from the pressures of racing.
Head coach Matt Steven said the camp had two objectives: improving the frontline team's performance and developing new sailors.
"We've also gone back to basics, sharing apartments and getting amongst the local culture in Pensacola," Steven said. "Team bonding has been a big part of it."
New Crew Gain Valuable Time
New signing Jake Pye joined the race crew immediately, while reserve strategist Kate Stewart benefited from extended time aboard in different wind conditions.
"Jake's developing really well. He brings a fresh perspective," Steven said. "He talks about things in a different language, which is refreshing and good for everyone to learn from."
Stewart's experience was particularly valuable, given the limited training opportunities available during SailGP race weekends.
"At a SailGP event it's a whirlwind. She gets 30 minutes or so on the boat, and she's thrown in at the deep end," Steven explained.
Strategist Liv Mackay said the team had made significant progress in lighter conditions.
"Having time to try new things, and not feel the pressure of going straight into racing, is definitely going to show in the long run," she said.
Dubai and Abu Dhabi Deciders
The Black Foils return to competition at Mina Rashid for the Emirates Dubai Sail Grand Prix, an event they previously won in December 2023 and November 2024.
The 2026 Rolex SailGP Championship concludes with the Grand Final in Abu Dhabi on 28–29 November.
"For Dubai and Abu Dhabi, it's going to be really important for us to simplify things and just sail the boat," Steven said. "We've had some pretty good performances and led multiple events, but it's really about carrying that through the weekend and performing up until the last race."
