The ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix in Auckland experienced a dramatic halt to competition on Saturday following a severe high-speed collision between two F50 catamarans that resulted in significant injuries to Antiguan sailor Louis Sinclair. The incident occurred during the third race of the event in challenging gusty conditions off the Auckland coastline.
Sinclair, serving as grinder for the New Zealand Black Foils team, sustained compound fractures to both legs when the French DS Automobiles SailGP Team vessel collided with the New Zealand boat. The accident unfolded moments after the race start when the Black Foils catamaran, skippered by Peter Burling, experienced apparent rudder failure on the initial reaching leg. The vessel skidded sideways before spinning into the wind and stopping broadside directly in the path of the approaching French team.
Despite evasive maneuvers attempted by French skipper Quentin Delapierre, the port hull of the French F50 struck the starboard hull and cockpit area of the stationary New Zealand boat with substantial force. The impact threw Sinclair across the cockpit, resulting in his serious injuries.
Emergency medical personnel responded immediately to the incident, with Sinclair transported to a local hospital where he was reported in stable condition while receiving treatment for his injuries. French sailor Manon Audinet was also taken to medical facilities for examination and observation, with reports indicating she remained in stable condition.
SailGP officials made the decision to abandon all remaining racing for the day following thorough assessment of the incident and injuries. The organization released statements confirming all sailors had been accounted for and expressing gratitude for the rapid medical response. An investigation into the precise causes of the collision is underway, with particular attention to the challenging wind conditions and technical factors that may have contributed to the incident.