Paris 2024 Olympics: Black sails make their debut at sailing in Marseille

They created a stir when first used in the Sydney to Hobart yacht race but now these black sails will make their dark and moody presence felt in Olympic waters.

Olivia Price and Evie Haseldine compete in the Women's Skiff class on day two. Picture: Getty Images

It’s the new go-fast colour of Olympic sailing - for a couple of classes at least - and a sexy fashion statement.

Black sails - long used by the fastest super maxis in the world in events like the Sydney to Hobart yacht race - are being flown by the sole Australian designed class of boat on the Olympic program in the waters off Marseille this week.

Other than looking ‘‘cool’’ and dramatic, black sails have advantages which have made them attractive to the skiff class including being more consistent due to being built over a mould.

“In the 49 FX this time the sailed are all black rather than a Mylar see-through (sail) as in the past,” said Australian Director of Technology Michael Blackburn.

“They decided to make a class change and develop sail that last longer.’’

The black sails on the water in Marseille. Picture: Getty Images

Along with being stronger, the black colouring protects the sails from UV rays which increases their lifespan and makes them more durable.

The sails also hold their aerodynamic shape better when loaded.

Australia is being represented by Sydney pair Olivia Price and Evie Haseldine in the 49erFX and Jim Colley and Shaun Connor in the 49er skiff.

The Olympic sailing program boasts three new classes in the mixed 470, the iQFOiL and the Formula Kite.

Evie Haseldine and Olivia Price during practice in Marseille. Picture: Getty Images

Australia is represented in all classes but no female qualified for the iQFOil and no male for the Formula Kite racing in 2024.

This has reduced the Australian team from the maximum 14 allowed to 12 sailors in Marseille.

The Sailing program at the 2024 Olympics is being run out of the Marseille marina in the south of France to August 8.

The geography of the area provides fascinating, varied and challenging courses due to the famous port town’s narrow bay, nearby mountains, hot climate and dry winds from the Sahara.

All these elements are likely to have an impact on the conditions sailors will race in at various times of the day.

Originally published as Paris 2024 Olympics: Black sails make their debut at sailing in Marseille