Despite arriving in Auckland as one of the frontrunners, DS Automobiles SailGP Team France will take no part in Day 2 of the ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix after a high-speed collision during fleet race three brought their regatta to a halt.
The incident unfolded on a reaching leg close to shore, with the fleet sailing in a southwesterly breeze of 15 to 18 knots and gusts moving through the course area. France was leading at the time. According to the French team's official statement, the New Zealand F50, positioned to windward, lost control in a gust and drove across the path of the French boat. The two vessels struck each other at speed.
French strategist Manon Audinet sustained injuries in the collision and was transported to Auckland Hospital, where she remains under medical observation. The remainder of the French crew were assessed and released after treatment for minor injuries. New Zealand sailor Louis Sinclair was also hurt and taken to hospital.
The race jury ruled that the French team bore no responsibility for the incident and issued an eight-point penalty to the New Zealand team.
Driver Quentin Delapierre described it as the most severe collision the team has experienced in SailGP. France sits at the top of the provisional standings with 18 points at the close of Day 1, though the extent of structural damage to the F50 made any prospect of Sunday racing impossible. Team management confirmed the decision to stand down from Sunday's racing was driven by that structural damage.
The damage across the French F50 platform is significant, taking in hull structure, cockpit components and appendages. The repairs needed are too extensive to complete within the timeframe available before racing resumes.
Team manager Philippe Presti confirmed that a thorough structural assessment will be carried out on the platform before it returns to competition, with further technical inspection also required. The well-being of the injured sailors remains the priority alongside the continuing evaluation of both damaged vessels as the event proceeds in Auckland.
