Two Hospitalized After ‘Catastrophic’ SailGP Collision
IslandStats.com
Two sailors have been taken to hospital following a "catastrophic" high-speed collision between the New Zealand and France boats on the opening day of the New Zealand Sail Grand Prix in Auckland.
Racing was abandoned immediately following the incident as emergency crews rushed to the scene. SailGP officials later confirmed that the injured sailors—one from each team—are in a stable condition and are receiving further assessment in hospital.
The collision occurred during the high-stakes pre-start of race three. According to a statement from SailGP, the Kiwi F50 catamaran appeared to lose control and veered sharply into the path of the French boat. With both vessels travelling at speeds exceeding 50 knots, the impact was severe, causing significant structural damage to both carbon-fibre hulls.
Races three and four were promptly called off as the scale of the damage became clear. While the shore teams will work through the night, it has been confirmed that neither New Zealand nor France will be able to take part in Sunday’s remaining action.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the extreme risks involved in the world’s fastest sailing league. The fleet is scheduled to arrive in Bermuda in just three months for the Apex Group Bermuda Sail Grand Prix, held on the iconic waters of the Great Sound in May.
Local fans on the island will be hoping for a full recovery for the injured athletes and that all the teams will be back to full strength by the time they navigate the Great Sound. Bermuda has long been a favourite venue for the league, and the upcoming May event is expected to draw massive crowds to the shoreline to see the F50s return to the Atlantic.
