Four teams remain in contention for the Grand Final, with the Black Foils holding second place on 82 points in the season standings, just behind Emirates Great Britain on 85. Australia's Bonds Flying Roos sit close on 80 points, while Spain's Los Gallos are still in the mix on 76, leaving the final berths up for grabs heading into the closing weekend.
Three spots are available in the year's concluding race, and each will be decided through fleet racing across Saturday and Sunday, ahead of the one-off finale on Sunday afternoon.
Black Foils Co-CEO and Wing Trimmer Blair Tuke spoke about the team's mood as competition approaches.
"Today was a really valuable day for us. It was great to have Pete back on board and to get the chance to sail on the race course in conditions we could see this weekend. We feel set to go."
Tuke noted that three days of practice sailing had helped the squad across several areas despite an interrupted lead-up to the event.
"The week has been a really solid one, obviously apart from Pete's injury, but I think that's also made us stronger. Liv stepped in really well yesterday, and we got a lot out of that session. This event is what we have been working towards all season, and the team feels in a good place heading into tomorrow."
