Taylor: We’ve Not Hit Our Ceiling Yet
U.S. SailGP Team driver Taylor Canfield speaks to the press before Auckland Sail Grand Prix
Published 02/13/2026
Driver Taylor Canfield believes the U.S. SailGP Team has yet to hit its ceiling – and is excited for what’s still to come for the Crew.
Speaking to the media prior to this weekend’s ITM Auckland Sail Grand Prix, Taylor was joined on the panel by New Zealand Black Foils’ Peter Burling, Diego Botín of Los Gallos, Seb Schneiter of Switzerland and Red Bull Italy’s Phil Robertson.
Reflecting on the team’s impressive performance in Perth last time out, recording a P5, Taylor said: “Yes, a huge step forward came, and it’s something we’ve been working on for a while, which is improving our big breeze sailing.
“I think we came out and did that in Perth. And luckily, with a lot of training days from the league, it was really helpful. We came in with a very structured plan, knowing how we wanted to improve. We went out there and did that, and we’re happy with the result.”
Asked what changes contributed to that display in Perth last month, Taylor paid tribute to the newest members of the Crew: Michael Menninger and Andrew Campbell.
“We definitely had a few personnel changes over the last season and a half,” Taylor said. “Every teammate is such an integral part of this team, and having that consistency, with people around you that you can trust to do their jobs, means a lot.
“So we’ve got a great group now, and I think we’re going to stay there for some time. We’re excited to see what’s to come. We’re definitely not at our ceiling yet, and that’s exciting.”
High winds are forecast this weekend with Sunday’s racing brought forward to avoid inclement weather in Auckland. Conditions should ensure high-speed racing and there’s even the potential for a new speed record.
“It does look even windier than I saw in Perth,” Taylor said. “The Italian highlight from Perth was quite good, so I’m excited to see what we have in store for the Italians this week.
“But it’s always a game of inches and just living on the edge. We’re going to be on the edge all week long, it looks like. So it’s exciting, but I think you have to keep your wits together and make sure you can sail every race this weekend.
“So we’re going to go out and push. We feel like we’ve taken that step to be comfortable pushing in the big breeze.”
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