Two sailors handled for severe accidents after Black Foils and DS Workforce France concerned in main collision.
Revealed On 14 Feb 2026
One sailor is in hospital with two damaged legs and one other was additionally injured in a high-speed crash between yachts representing New Zealand and France on the primary day of the SailGP race in Auckland, New Zealand on Saturday.
The New Zealand workforce mentioned Louis Sinclair was receiving therapy for compound fractures to each legs. Sinclair, a grinder on board the New Zealand yacht, turns winches to regulate the sails.
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“Black Foils grinder Louis Sinclair is in a steady situation in Auckland Hospital after struggling accidents to each legs through the collision with the French throughout racing at this time,” the New Zealand workforce mentioned in a press release. “Sinclair is receiving therapy for compound fractures to each legs however is in a steady situation.”
A sailor from the French workforce was additionally injured.
The crash occurred within the third of 4 SailGP races scheduled on Saturday. Because the fleet of 13 boats approached the primary gate at speeds of virtually 90km/h (56mph), the New Zealand yacht misplaced management and spun into the trail of France.
The French boat rode excessive of the New Zealand boat, inflicting extreme injury to each boats, which have been locked collectively. Racing was deserted for the day whereas the injured sailors have been ferried to shore and to hospital, and whereas the broken boats have been recovered.
“I feel everybody, each workforce New Zealand and us, are fairly shocked,” France driver Quentin Delapierre mentioned. “Full assist to workforce New Zealand and my teammates, additionally. Hopefully, we’ll get well from this.
“The whole lot occurred so shortly, it’s fairly cloudy in my thoughts. I simply tried to do my greatest to keep away from the collision however clearly it occurred too shortly. I didn’t have the time to reply and steer the boat. It was an excellent scary scenario.”
Tv footage recommended the New Zealand boat misplaced the usage of its rudder, inflicting it to show in entrance of the France boat, which couldn’t keep away from the collision.
New Zealand had simply returned after a crash with Switzerland within the first occasion of the season in Perth, Australia, which was gained by Britain. The New Zealand driver Peter Burling obtained demerit factors on his tremendous crusing licence for his position in that collision.
In SailGP, groups from 13 nations race similar 50-foot catamarans which rise out of the water on foils and are able to reaching speeds of 100km/h (60mph).
Two races have been accomplished on Saturday earlier than the crash. Australia gained the primary and New Zealand gained the second. Racing on the second day, Sunday, will begin early due to a menace of thunderstorms.
