SailGP: Stewart Dodson joins Black Foils as a Grinder

Stewart Dodson joins the Black Foils as a Grinder - may 8, 2026 © Black Foils

Experienced SailGP athlete Stewart Dodson will join the Black Foils as G1 Grinder cover for Louis Sinclair for the remainder of the 2026 Rolex SailGP Championship.

The Aucklander has most recently been racing as a Grinder with the Explora Swiss team, having also previously been a member of Spain's Los Gallos, including as part of their Season 4 Grand Final winning campaign in 2024.

Sinclair continues to make a positive recovery from the injuries he suffered during the collision between the Black Foils and DS Automobiles Team France at February's ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix.

While all signs currently point to Sinclair returning to top-level sailing, potentially as early as the final events of the season, it was felt that bringing Dodson into the team environment would provide an experienced, steady hand for the team's eventual return to racing. Dodson will work alongside G2 Grinder Marcus Hansen and Reserve Grinder Finn Henry.

As the team works toward returning to competition, Henry, as the team's Shore Crew Manager, will also play a central role in ensuring the team's new boat is ready to race.

Black Foils Head Coach Matt Steven said bringing in Dodson was about making the team's return to racing as smooth as possible.

"Stewart brings a wealth of experience across his professional sailing career to date, including tasting SailGP's ultimate success with the Spanish team. The timing also worked out well, as he finished his time with the Swiss after Sydney and was ready for his next opportunity. He's a proud Kiwi, and we are excited to have his experience in the team as we prepare to get back on the water."

New Black Foils Grinder Stewart Dodson said he was excited to be part of the team.

"I am really proud to have the chance to represent New Zealand on the SailGP stage. I haven't worn the New Zealand flag in a few years so it's special to be back and on a stage like SailGP. It's a high-performance environment, and I am looking forward to joining such a great team. It was a special feeling letting my partner and family know I would be joining the team."

Black Foils Co-CEO and Wing Trimmer Blair Tuke said Dodson's joining the team represented another positive step in the Black Foils' return to racing.

"We have worked carefully alongside Louis to ensure he is looked after during his rehabilitation and that there is no pressure on him to return earlier than his body is ready for. We also wanted to work carefully with Finn on managing his workload while preparing the boat for racing and continuing his development as a Grinder. Having Stewart join the team helps us streamline that process."

Black Foils Co-CEO and Driver Peter Burling said the team continued to work hard to be ready to return across all departments.

"We've worked hard during this ongoing period off the water to ensure we are still taking steps forward as a team. From the outset we wanted to use this time productively in all areas. Uncertainty can be a challenge but we are excited to be taking the final steps toward getting back to racing on what will also be a new boat."

The team continues to work with SailGP on a return-to-racing plan. All remaining parts of the team's F50 are now at SailGP Technologies and members of the team's Shore Crew are in Southampton working alongside league staff.