SailGP Racing Suspended Following Dramatic High-Speed Collision in Auckland
A catastrophic high-speed collision between the New Zealand and French yachts during the SailGP competition in Auckland on Saturday has resulted in one sailor sustaining compound fractures to both legs and another being injured, leading to the immediate abandonment of the day's racing schedule.
Serious Injuries and Hospitalisation
Louis Sinclair, serving as a grinder aboard the New Zealand yacht, was transported to Auckland Hospital where he remains in stable condition after suffering compound fractures to both legs during the violent incident. The New Zealand team released an official statement confirming: "Black Foils grinder Louis Sinclair is in a stable condition in Auckland Hospital after suffering injuries to both legs during the collision with the French during racing today. Sinclair is receiving treatment for compound fractures to both legs but is in a stable condition."
Additionally, a sailor from the French team sustained injuries during the collision, though specific details regarding their condition have not been fully disclosed at this time.
The Moment of Impact
The dramatic accident occurred during the third of four scheduled races as the fleet of thirteen identical 50-foot catamarans approached the first gate at speeds approaching 90 kilometres per hour. According to eyewitness reports and television footage, the New Zealand vessel experienced a critical failure, reportedly losing control of its rudder, which caused it to spin directly into the path of the approaching French yacht.
The French boat then rode over the top of the New Zealand craft, causing severe structural damage to both vessels and leaving them locked together in the water. Racing was immediately suspended as emergency procedures were activated to transport the injured sailors ashore for urgent hospital treatment and to recover the extensively damaged boats from the water.
Shock and Recovery Efforts
France driver Quentin Delapierre expressed profound shock following the terrifying incident, stating: "I think everyone, both team New Zealand and us, are pretty shocked. Full support to team New Zealand and my teammates, also. Hopefully we'll recover from this. Everything happened so quickly, it's pretty cloudy in my mind. I just tried to do my best to avoid the collision but obviously it happened too quickly. I didn't have the time to respond and steer the boat. It was a super scary situation."
Racing Context and Schedule Changes
This serious incident follows a previous crash involving the New Zealand team and Switzerland during the season's opening event in Perth, Australia, which resulted in demerit points being issued to New Zealand driver Peter Burling. SailGP features teams from thirteen nations competing in high-performance foiling catamarans capable of reaching speeds exceeding 100 kilometres per hour as they rise out of the water on hydrofoils.
Prior to Saturday's collision, two races had been successfully completed with Australia winning the first race and New Zealand securing victory in the second. Organisers have announced that racing for Sunday is scheduled to commence earlier than originally planned due to anticipated thunderstorms forecast for the Auckland region.
