SailGP crews are tackling the new "T-foils", which have a higher speed, for the first in Auckland this weekend. This follows a successful outing of training on Monday.

The L-shaped foils that have been in use since the league's start in 2019 will be replaced by the machined titanium and Carbon foils which lift the F50 boats out of the water. The new foils are thinner, which reduces drag at high speed.

Andy Maloney said that the conditions were "pretty crazy" for the first time they flew the T-Foils. He added: "it was really a baptism by fire for the whole team."

SailGP stated in a press release that the T-Foils would level the playing fields, giving new teams a chance to catch-up as they will all have to learn the technology advancements on the fleet of twelve identical 50-foot catamaran.

The new teams will have less experience with T-Foils compared to the teams that were at the top in the previous seasons. It will be interesting to see how everyone finishes this weekend," says Maloney.

T-Foils were used until now mainly in trials by the Canadian team, who achieved a speed of 101.98 km/h using them. The French team set a record of 99.94 km/h during season three.

"The foils have a much more stable feel, which is great, but the acceleration is also very quick." "It's going to be a great race out there," said Leo Takahashi who replaced Maloney as New Zealand's flight controller when he moved to Brazil.

Two new teams, including Italy, will be joining the twelve-strong line-up in season five. The Brazilian team is led by Martine Grael.

SailGP reported that over 25,000 people will be watching the second event in this season, which is taking place in Auckland. Local favourites New Zealand are currently at the top of the leaderboard.

I'm hoping to have windy weather similar to what we had today. We will be able to see the boats go faster than ever before if we have windy conditions. Maloney said, "It's going be incredible." (Reporting and editing by Alexander Smith)

(source: Reuters)