The DS Automobiles SailGP Team France will not compete on Day 2 of the ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix following a high speed collision during fleet race three on Saturday.
The incident occurred while France was leading the fleet in a southwesterly breeze of 15 to 18 knots, with gusts pushing through the course area. The contact took place on a reaching leg near shore.
According to the French team’s official statement, the New Zealand F50, positioned to windward, lost control in a gust and turned across the French boat’s course. The boats collided at speed.
French strategist Manon Audinet was injured in the impact and transported to Auckland Hospital. She remains under medical observation. The rest of the French crew were treated for minor injuries and released.
New Zealand sailor Louis Sinclair was also injured and taken to the hospital.
SailGP jury decision following Auckland collision
The race jury has ruled that the French team was not responsible for the incident. An eight-point penalty has been issued to the New Zealand team.
Despite being unable to continue racing, France leads the provisional standings with 18 points at the conclusion of Day 1.
Driver Quentin Delapierre described the impact as the most severe the team has experienced in SailGP. Team management confirmed the decision to stand down from Sunday’s racing was driven by the extent of structural damage.
Extent of damage to the French F50
The team reports significant damage to the F50 platform, including hull structure, cockpit components and appendages. The scale of the repairs required means the boat cannot be made race ready within the available timeframe.
Team manager Philippe Presti stated that the platform will undergo detailed structural assessment before it returns to competition, including further technical inspection.
For now, attention remains on the well-being of the injured sailors and the ongoing evaluation of both damaged F50s as SailGP continues in Auckland.
