Black Foils bolster squad as training begins in Pensacola

The Black Foils are taking advantage of SailGP's brand-new training facility in Pensacola to train up their bolstered sailing squad in preparation for the 2027 Season.

The New Zealand team revealed they are developing new recruits Jake Pye and Kate Stewart at the Florida base, while giving their 'front line crew more time in the boat'.

A 21-year-old rising star, Jake Pye won silver at the 2024 Moth World Championship, beating Olympic champions and SailGP athletes, before taking the youth world title in 2025.

Olympic hopeful Kate Stewart, who is building towards the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, was recruited as a reserve strategist earlier this year.

Speaking about the team's training camp, wing trimmer and co-CEO Blair Tuke said building squad depth had become a key goal for the team, both to prepare for 'contingencies' and also in preparation for the future.

Building squad depth has become a key area of focus for many teams after SailGP boss Russell Coutts the fleet's lack of back-up athletes as a major problem.

Tuke described both fledgling athletes as 'huge talents' that are 'going to add a lot to the Black Foils for years to come'.

While Stewart has been training in her strategist position, Pye has been training in the wing trimmer and flight controller roles - 'two of the key controlling positions on the boat', Tuke said.

"That's important for us to build contingencies and, as we look to the future, for Jake to push for a front-line role on the boat."

Both recruitments are driven by a desire to have an 'all-Kiwi team' consisting of 'some of the best sailors in the world'.

Reflecting on the training camp so far, Pye said the Black Foils were 'embracing' his efforts to gain 'a good foothold within the team'.

"I want to figure out where I can contribute best and pick up the roles on the boat as best I can," he said, with the goal of 'giving a fresh perspective to the team'.

2027 Season

The Pensacola training camp is key to the team's preparations for the upcoming 2027 Season, which kicks off on 23-24 January with SailGP's debut visit to Hong Kong.

Reflecting on their difficult 2026 Season, which has been marred with injury, damage and racing absence, Tuke said the Black Foils are 'looking ahead'. The aim is to finish the season with two solid performances in Dubai and Abu Dhabi to 'set us up well for next season'.

"We're looking forward to coming out, putting our best foot forward straight from the first event and putting a good season together."

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