AUCKLAND, New Zealand — The opening day of the SailGP championship in Auckland concluded abruptly on Saturday following a dramatic high-speed collision between teams from New Zealand and France, resulting in injuries to two sailors and significant damage to both vessels.
The incident occurred during the third scheduled race of the day as the fleet of 13 identical F50 catamarans approached the first gate. Traveling at speeds approaching 90 kilometers per hour (56 mph), the New Zealand boat experienced a sudden loss of control, causing it to spin directly into the path of the French competitor.
Television footage revealed the New Zealand vessel lifting and heeling at high velocity, which elevated its rudder out of the water and compromised steering capability. The French catamaran subsequently rode over the top of the New Zealand boat, leaving both craft severely damaged and temporarily locked together.
Both injured sailors were transported to a local hospital where medical officials reported them as conscious and alert. Their identities and specific medical conditions remain undisclosed pending further evaluation.
Race organizers immediately suspended all competition for the day to facilitate medical response and vessel recovery operations. This incident marks the second collision involving the New Zealand team in recent events, following a previous encounter with Switzerland during the season opener in Perth, Australia.
The SailGP championship features technologically advanced 50-foot foiling catamarans capable of reaching speeds exceeding 100 kph (60 mph). Prior to the accident, Australia had claimed victory in the day’s first race while New Zealand triumphed in the second competition.
Organizers have adjusted Sunday’s racing schedule to an earlier start time due to forecasted thunderstorms, with the completion of Saturday’s postponed races expected to be incorporated into the revised program.