In a groundbreaking weekend for competitive sailing, SailGP introduced its cutting-edge titanium T-Foils to the entire F50 fleet during the Auckland SailGP event, January 18 through 19, 2025. After nearly two years of rigorous development and testing, these high-speed foils made their competitive debut, promising closer racing and higher speeds. The innovation was met with dramatic conditions, intense competition, and a dominant performance by Australia, who claimed their first win of the 2025 season.
The event saw winds gusting up to 50 km/h on Auckland’s Waitematā Harbour, challenging crews to adapt quickly to the new technology. Andy Maloney, flight controller for the Mubadala Brazil SailGP Team, described the conditions as a “baptism by fire,” highlighting the steep learning curve for teams as they raced with the T-Foils for the first time. “The wind was super gusty and shifty here in Auckland,” Maloney noted. “A really good first day, but the learning curve is definitely steep.”
The introduction of T-Foils, which replace the L-Foils used since SailGP’s inception in 2019, represents a major technological leap. Constructed from machined titanium and carbon, the T-Foils feature thinner sections that reduce drag at high speeds, enhancing the boats’ overall performance. During multiple-boat training, New Zealand recorded a top speed of 97.2 km/h, while testing by Canada SailGP Team during development reached an astonishing 101.98 km/h, surpassing the league’s previous racing speed record of 99.94 km/h.
Speaking functionally, the T-foils and L-foils differ primarily in their shape, functionality, and performance. T-foils, shaped like the letter “T,” feature a horizontal stabilizer that enhances lift and stability while minimizing drag, making them ideal for high-speed racing and advanced performance. In contrast, L-foils, shaped like the letter “L,” create lift but produce more drag and offer less stability, making them less efficient at very high speeds. T-foils provide better balance and control, particularly in gusty or shifty conditions, while L-foils are considered more traditional and suited for moderate-speed sailing. SailGP’s shift to T-foils represents a leap forward in technology, as their streamlined design allows for faster speeds and greater efficiency, surpassing the capabilities of the older L-foils.
In Auckland, the high-speed foils delivered an electrifying display of competitive sailing, culminating in a thrilling three-boat Final. Australia, led by three-time SailGP champion Tom Slingsby, outperformed Emirates Great Britain and reigning Season 4 champions Spain to take the top spot. Despite occasional pressure from the Spaniards, the Aussies’ mastery of both the new technology and Auckland’s fast conditions proved decisive.
Slingsby and his crew dominated the fleet races, qualifying for the Final with a commanding lead. In the winner-takes-all showdown, Australia’s tactical prowess and seamless adaptation to the T-Foils earned them their first victory of the 2025 season, securing valuable points ahead of their home race in Sydney.
“It’s a great feeling to be back on top after a challenging start to the season,” Slingsby said. “The T-Foils are a game-changer, and our team really came together to make it work.”
The Auckland SailGP event also marked the competitive debut of the Mubadala Brazil SailGP Team and the Red Bull Italy SailGP Team, two new national teams joining the league this season. France, returning in a newly completed “boat 12,” rounded out the fleet, making for an even more competitive lineup. Maloney noted that the introduction of the T-Foils created an opportunity for newer teams to level the playing field. “Some of the top teams from the last few seasons don’t have any more experience on T-Foils than we do,” he said. “It’s going to be really interesting to see how the competition evolves.”
The event drew over 25,000 fans to Auckland’s inner-city Race Stadium and spectator fleet, showcasing why the city is known as the “City of Sails.” The excitement was palpable as fans watched the boats achieve record-breaking speeds and witnessed the debut of technology poised to redefine high-performance sailing.
The weekend also included a detailed evaluation of the T-Foils, which are expected to transform the league’s competitive landscape. The new foils aim to reduce drag, improve efficiency, and increase speed, offering an advantage to teams that can master their intricacies. As SailGP continues to innovate, the introduction of T-Foils demonstrates the league’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of technology and enhancing the spectacle of racing.
With the Rolex SailGP 2025 Season Championship now well underway, the focus shifts to Sydney, where Australia will aim to build on their Auckland success. Meanwhile, other teams will be eager to refine their use of the T-Foils and challenge for the top spot. The debut of these high-speed foils in Auckland was not just a technological milestone but also a testament to SailGP’s mission of delivering thrilling, world-class racing on a global stage.
