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As 12 teams put the finishing touches to their boats ahead of SailGP's Auckland debut this weekend, a different kind of "F50" captured attention on Wednesday morning.
Despite standing only a metre tall and weighing just a few kilogrammes, Northcote Birkenhead Yacht Club’s model of the competition's flying catamarans was a big hit among the New Zealand SailGP team.
Ten junior club members spent three days designing and constructing the model as part of SailGP Next Gen Challenge - an initiative where yacht clubs create projects that promote a healthy environment and inclusivity. The challenge is part of the SailGP Impact programme, which uses sport to create positive change and promote innovation and sustainability in youth sailing.
Clubs from Northland, Auckland, and the Bay of Plenty competed in the challenge, with the top-scoring project earning an exclusive visit to the Black Foils' home base at Auckland's Wynyard Quarter.
Northcote Birkenhead Yacht Club's miniature F50 model won the SailGP Next Gen Challenge.
NBYC impressed judges with their intricate F50 replica, incorporating recycled materials and showcasing exceptional engineering and creativity.
According to NBYC Commodore Merv Hunter, the project was a testament to young club members' resourcefulness.
“The kids raided the old cupboard in the shed and found some old sails. A few other people also pitched in with materials - old coat hangers, mountain bike handlebars, a broken tiller extension, sail battens, and even aluminium from roller blinds for the wing,” Hunter explained.
“We’ve been trying to create activities beyond sailing, and this was a fantastic initiative. The kids had a great time, and the feedback from parents has been overwhelmingly positive.”
The young sailors had the opportunity to meet members of the Black Foils, including driver Peter Burling and wing trimmer Blair Tuke.
“It’s super cool to see the effort that’s gone into this model,” Burling said. “The Inspire programme is an awesome part of SailGP. It’s about involving a wider community in the sport and providing diverse opportunities - not just for sailing but for exploring other avenues around the sport. It’s a massive part of what we do.”
Black Foils wing trimmer Blair Tuke inspecting the replica.
Yachting New Zealand has again partnered with SailGP for the league's third season in Aotearoa.
“Congratulations to Northcote Birkenhead Yacht Club on their excellent F50 model," said Yachting New Zealand’s national sport development director, Raynor Haagh.
"Many of our clubs have made significant progress through initiatives like our Clean Club programme and the Next Gen Challenge is an exciting way to showcase this innovation as Auckland takes the global stage.”
Hunter confirmed that the model will remain on display at the club for some time.
“We will definitely be showing it off because a lot of hard work went into it," he said.
"This project shows that there is so much a club can do beyond sailing and over the past year, we’ve done a lot that ties into this philosophy.”
The Black Foils lead the 2025 standings ahead of Auckland's SailGP debut this weekend.
Meanwhile, the Black Foils have been impressive in training with their new high-speed T-Foils, reaching a top speed of 97.2 km/h - just shy of SailGP’s racing record of 99.94 km/h.
The Kiwi team lead the standings after their season-opening win in Dubai, and will take to the Waitematā Harbour this weekend.
The ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix in Auckland takes place on Saturday and Sunday (January 18 and 19), with racing scheduled from 4 pm to 5.30 pm NZDT.
Click here for more event information or here to follow the racing.
