The opening day of the Auckland SailGP event was abruptly abandoned after a severe crash between two high-speed catamarans resulted in injuries to two sailors and substantial damage to the vessels.
Collision Halts Racing
During the third fleet race on Saturday, the French and New Zealand F50 catamarans collided in a dramatic incident. The New Zealand boat appeared to lose control, dipping into the water directly in front of the French vessel, leading to a significant impact that brought both boats to a standstill.
Television footage indicated that the New Zealand catamaran had lifted and heeled at high speed, causing its rudder to rise out of the water, which may have contributed to the loss of control.
Injuries and Medical Response
Following the collision, two sailors were stretchered into an on-site first aid tent for immediate medical attention. In an official statement, SailGP confirmed that both athletes were in a stable condition after receiving treatment.
The organization also noted that all other crew members had been accounted for and were safe onboard their respective boats.
Racing Cancelled and Damage Assessment
The third race was promptly cancelled, and no further competition took place on Saturday. Both the French and New Zealand boats suffered significant damage in the crash, with initial reports suggesting extensive structural issues that will require thorough inspections.
This incident marks a setback for the New Zealand team, which had recently returned to competition after withdrawing from the season-opening Perth regatta due to hull damage.
Safety Concerns in High-Speed Sailing
The crash has reignited discussions about safety in the SailGP league, which features 12 boats competing at speeds up to 100km/h. Athletes had previously called for wider courses following a collision between New Zealand and Switzerland at last month's Perth SailGP event.
With twice as many boats as in the inaugural 2019 season, the limited space on the course has raised concerns about the risks associated with such high-speed maneuvers.
Event Context and Results
Prior to the crash, Australia had won the first fleet race at the Auckland SailGP, with New Zealand claiming victory in the second race. The abandonment of day one leaves the event's schedule uncertain, pending further assessments of the damaged boats and the condition of the injured sailors.
SailGP officials are expected to review the incident and consider potential adjustments to enhance safety protocols for future races.
