Black Foils looking to apply lessons from Valencia

New Zealand’s Black Foils head into the Rolex Switzerland Sail Grand Prix in Geneva this weekend, aiming to apply lessons learned in Valencia as the European leg of the championship concludes. After light, shifty winds in Friday’s practice, the team saw early signs of the weekend conditions. Co-CEO and driver Peter Burling said they have “tidy[ed] up” issues from Valencia, where they finished fifth in Portsmouth, fourth in Sassnitz, and 11th in Valencia after a tough opening day and a Sunday schedule shortened by wind. In Geneva, they plan to race with a reduced four-athlete crew after limited practice in that configuration. Black Foils are in Group B with Bonds Flying Roos, Great Britain, Explora Journeys Swiss, NorthStar, and Red Bull Italy; top two advance to Sunday’s four-boat final.