High-Speed Catamaran Crash Halts New Zealand and France at SailGP

New Zealand and France will skip the upcoming Sydney SailGP after their F50 catamarans collided in a high-speed crash, leading to injuries and damage. Louis Sinclair and Manon Audinet are recovering from injuries. SailGP is reviewing the incident and prioritizing the safe return of both teams.

In a dramatic high-speed incident, New Zealand and France have been forced to withdraw from the upcoming Sydney SailGP event after their F50 catamarans collided. The crash, which occurred during the Auckland event, left New Zealand's Louis Sinclair requiring surgery for a fractured leg, while France's Manon Audinet suffered abdominal bruising.

The accident has resulted in significant damage to both teams' boats, with New Zealand's starboard hull and cross beams extensively wrecked and France's port hull suffering critical damage. Consequently, both teams have been sidelined, with efforts redirecting towards repairing the vessels to ensure a safe return.

SailGP officials have launched a comprehensive investigation into the incident, analyzing performance data and onboard systems to ascertain the crash's cause. Blair Tuke of Black Foils described the event as "very traumatic" for both teams involved.