Pye joins squad

New Zealand’s Black Foils have signed rising sailing talent Jake Pye as the team strengthens its squad ahead of the 2027 SailGP season.

Photography by SailGP

13 November 2026

The 21-year-old New Zealander is training with the Black Foils at SailGP’s new permanent training base in Pensacola, Florida, this week, gaining valuable experience aboard the high-performance F50 catamaran.

Pye joins the team with an impressive foiling pedigree, having claimed silver at the 2024 Moth World Championship at his home club in Manly, New Zealand, before securing bronze and the youth world title in 2025.

“I’ve wanted to get into SailGP for a long time, and the Black Foils are the team I want to do it with,” says Pye.

“I love what the team stands for and the opportunity to represent New Zealand on the world stage.

Rising New Zealand sailing talent Jake Pye joins the Black Foils ahead of the 2027 SailGP season.

Jake Pye (centre) joins his Black Foils teammates for training at SailGP’s Pensacola base in Florida.

“Getting this opportunity means a huge amount. I believe in what we can achieve, and I want to earn my place on the boat, keep pushing myself to improve and help the team compete at the front.”

Pye is also a member of Emirates Team New Zealand, having joined its sailing squad in October 2025.

At the America’s Cup preliminary regatta in Naples in September 2026, he was the youngest skipper competing, leading the team’s Women & Youth AC40 crew to victory in its category.

His arrival adds further depth to the Black Foils, whose co-CEO Blair Tuke sees the young sailor as an important part of the team’s long-term development.

Jake’s a hugely talented young athlete, and we’re excited to have him joining the Black Foils,” says Tuke. “We see the potential for him to become a world-class F50 sailor and play an important part in the team’s future.

“As SailGP grows, investing in New Zealand talent is a real priority for us. With Kate Stewart joining earlier this year and Jake now part of the group, we’re building the depth and continuity we need to compete at the highest level.”

Tuke adds that maintaining an all-New Zealand sailing crew remains a source of pride for the team, while providing a pathway for emerging sailors.

The Pensacola training camp is being held at the American Magic High Performance Center, which houses SailGP’s new permanent training facility.

The purpose-built setup provides access to a shared training F50, technical specialists and dedicated on-water and shore support, allowing teams to develop their skills outside the demands of a race weekend.

High-speed F50 racing in SailGP, where the Black Foils compete against the world’s leading foiling teams. Photo: Felix Diemer for SailGP.

Joining Pye in Pensacola are Peter Burling, Blair Tuke, Liv Mackay, Leo Takahashi, Marcus Hansen, Stewart Dodson and Kate Stewart, alongside coaches Matt Steven and William McKenzie.

Black Foils co-CEO Peter Burling, who won the Moth world title in 2015, says the camp offers a valuable opportunity to integrate Pye into the squad.

“We don’t often get this much dedicated time together,” says Burling.

“The facilities here are great, and having Jake with us means we can start working together on the water as we build towards 2027.

We can focus on our sailing away from the pressure of a race weekend, help him settle into the team and spend time together off the water.”

The Black Foils return to racing at the Emirates Dubai Sail Grand Prix presented by DP World on 21–22 November, followed by the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Sail Grand Prix 2026 Season Grand Final presented by Abu Dhabi Sports Council on 28–29 November.

“Dubai and Abu Dhabi give us a chance to build on the work we do here and keep developing as a team,” says Burling.

“We want to finish the year strongly and carry that progress into 2027.”

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