2026 SailGP: Black Foils sidelined for this week's Rio de Janeiro event as rebuild begins following collision with France in Auckland

New Zealand’s Black Foils will not be on the start line at this week’s Enel Rio Sail Grand Prix, but are pursuing a return to racing as soon as possible. 

Planning for the team’s return to competition is ongoing with a final return date to be determined by a combination of production timelines, the logistics of getting the boat from Southampton to the event location and building in time for commissioning before competitive sailing gets underway. 

The team will receive an entirely new boat from SailGP Technologies due to the damage sustained in the high-speed collision with DS Automobiles Team France during February’s ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix | Auckland. The salvageable parts of the team’s F50 Amokura have already been used to repair France’s boat due to post-incident repair protocols. France will return to racing in Rio while the remaining parts of New Zealand’s F50 are in transit to SailGP Technologies in Southampton. 

A clearer picture of the Black Foils’ return will be confirmed post this weekend’s Rio event. 

After Rio, the next Rolex SailGP Championship stops are in Bermuda (10 - 11 May), New York (31 May - 1 June) and Halifax (21 - 22 June) before the league moves across the Atlantic to Portsmouth (26-27 July) for the start of the European leg of the season. 

Black Foils Co-CEO and Driver Peter Burling said determining the team’s return time was a complex puzzle. 

“Missing any event is hard on the team, but we also appreciate that there are a lot of moving parts in building a new boat and getting that boat to an event. We are working closely with the league on solving that puzzle. We already get limited time on our boats across the year so adding in commissioning time for a completely new boat also adds a layer of complexity. SailGP Technologies do an amazing job looking after the league’s needs and we know they are trying to get us back out there as soon as possible.” 
 

Louis Sinclair (pictured right) suffered fractures to both legs in the high-speed crash. Photos / SailGP

Black Foils Grinder Louis Sinclair suffered fractures to both legs in the collision with France and required surgery on his right leg. After a stay in Auckland Hospital and then accommodation in Auckland, Sinclair was able to travel to his home in Antigua to continue his recovery with the support of his family. 

Sinclair has responded well to the surgery, and the medical staff involved in his care are positive about his return to competing. The timeline for Sinclair’s return is still being determined, and he is being supported by the team during his period of rehabilitation. 

Black Foils Co-CEO and Wing Trimmer Blair Tuke said Sinclair’s recovery had also given strength to the rest of the team. 

“The way Louis has handled his injury has been remarkable. His calmness in the immediate aftermath through to his ongoing recovery has been special to see. I know it’s been something that has really helped the team come together at this time and make us all stronger for our eventual return to racing.” 

Outside of supporting Sinclair’s recovery, the other members of the sailing team are working hard while off the water to ensure a strong return to racing, led by Black Foils Head Coach Matt Steven. 

Members of the Black Foils Shore Crew will travel to England later this month to work with the team at SailGP Technologies in Southampton on the delivery of the team’s new F50. 

Burling and Tuke wanted to extend a message of thanks to the team’s fans and supporters. 

“We are always incredibly grateful for the support of our fans and partners and even more so during challenging times like this. The messages of support and ongoing encouragement are invaluable.”

The team also wanted to send best wishes to DS Automobiles Team France as they return to racing this weekend following the incident in Auckland. - Black Foils | New Zealand SailGP Team