Black Foils Will Compete in Spain Sail Grand Prix
The New Zealand team aims to reach the final in Valencia as shore manager Finn Henry prepares for his departure.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Tennis
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The New Zealand Black Foils team will compete at the Spain Sail Grand Prix in Valencia on October 10-11, 2026. The team is currently looking to secure a spot in the four-boat final after testing the racecourse on Thursday.
Why it matters
The team aims to improve upon recent finishes of fifth in Portsmouth and fourth in Sassnitz. Additionally, the event marks the final appearance for shore team manager Finn Henry, who is departing the squad to focus on his growing family.
The fleet format splits into two groups, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the four-boat final. The races are scheduled daily from 1:30pm to 3:00pm.
The players
Finn Henry
He is the departing shore team manager who has been with the organization since 2022.
Liv Mackay
She serves as the strategist for the Black Foils and piloted the F50 during practice races.
The details
Strategist Liv Mackay took the wheel of the F50 during Thursday practice sessions as the team fine-tuned their setup for the Valencia event. Competition is expected to feature light winds on Saturday, shifting to light to moderate sea breezes on Sunday.
Timeline
March 2022: Finn Henry joined the shore crew.
June 2023: Finn Henry became shore team manager.
2023: Finn Henry raced for Spain at Taranto.
2024: Finn Henry raced for New Zealand in San Francisco.
October 10-11, 2026: Spain Sail Grand Prix racing days.
Season Trajectory
The Valencia event acts as a critical juncture for the Black Foils as they seek to recover their form after finishes in Portsmouth and Sassnitz. Consistent performance here is essential for maintaining their standing within the broader seasonal playoff picture.
The team must finish in the top two of their group during preliminary races to qualify for the final round. Strategist Liv Mackay managing the wheel indicates a potential rotation in the crew dynamic for this specific regatta.
The takeaway
Team performance often fluctuates based on evolving crew roles and local weather conditions. Fans should monitor qualifying round outcomes to determine if the team successfully adjusts to the light wind forecasts.
Further reading
For more on international competition, visit our Tennis section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Yachtsandyachting.
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