Two people injured in high-speed crash during Auckland SailGP event

Two sailors injured in high-speed yacht collision during SailGP race in Auckland.

A serious incident occurred during the first day of the SailGP regatta in Auckland, New Zealand, resulting in two sailors being treated for injuries sustained in a collision between yachts representing New Zealand and France. The New Zealand team confirmed that Louis Sinclair, a grinder on board the New Zealand yacht, was receiving treatment for compound fractures to both legs at Auckland Hospital.

The incident occurred during the third of four scheduled races on Saturday, when the New Zealand yacht lost control and spun into the path of the French boat. The French vessel then rode over the top of the New Zealand boat, causing significant damage to both vessels. Racing was abandoned for the day while the injured sailors were transported to shore and hospital, and the damaged boats were recovered.

The French driver Quentin Delapierre expressed shock and support for his teammates, stating that “everything happened so quickly” and he did not have time to respond and steer the boat. Television footage showed the New Zealand boat losing use of its rudder, causing it to turn in front of the France boat, which was unable to avoid the collision.

The incident occurred on the first day of the regatta, following a previous crash with Switzerland in Perth, Australia, where Britain won the event. The SailGP competition features teams from 13 nations racing identical 50-foot catamarans capable of reaching speeds of up to 100km/h (60mph).

Source: Al Jazeera