The collision took place at the start of race three on the opening day of the ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix. Approaching mark one at speed, the New Zealand F50 lost control and turned sharply across the path of the French boat, with both vessels sustaining significant damage.
Thorough inspection and non-destructive testing have since been completed on components from both F50s. The New Zealand central pod and port hull have been cleared for reuse, while the starboard hull and cross beams were found to have sustained extensive structural damage. On the French side, the central pod, beams and starboard hull passed inspection after repair work, though the port hull suffered significant damage and will not return to service.
Engineering teams are now focused on rebuilding a race-ready platform by combining viable components from each boat. Both teams have been advised they will not race in Sydney, with all efforts directed toward returning them safely to the start line as soon as possible.
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Two athletes were evacuated from the race course by SailGP's on-water safety team and taken to hospital for treatment. New Zealand's Louis Sinclair and France's Manon Audinet were both removed from the water following the collision.
Sinclair underwent surgery for a fracture to his right leg and is in stable condition, now home. Audinet sustained abdominal bruising and remains under medical observation as a precaution, though she is recovering well.
A full review of the incident is underway, covering detailed analysis of performance data and onboard systems to establish precisely what occurred and identify any learnings. Athlete welfare remains SailGP's highest priority, and any findings will be acted upon in line with how similar incidents have been managed in the past.
