The fallout from the dramatic collision at the ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix continues, with DS Automobiles SailGP Team France confirming their F50 will not be ready in time for the upcoming KPMG Sydney Sail Grand Prix.
Following the accident between the Black Foils and the French team on the opening day of racing in Auckland, the extent of structural damage sustained by the French boat means it cannot be repaired and prepared in time for Sydney. The announcement delivers a further blow to a team already dealing with the physical impact of the crash.
Further updates have been released following the dramatic collision between the Black Foils and DS Automobiles SailGP Team France in Auckland, confirming both injured sailors are now in stable care as investigations continue.
The high speed incident unfolded as the fleet charged toward mark one at approximately 90 km/h. The New Zealand F50 appeared to lose grip and slide sideways before turning sharply across the path of the French boat. With France close astern, the closing speeds left little opportunity to avoid impact. The two F50s collided heavily, with both boats suffering severe structural damage.
EXCLUSIVE: Boating NZ video of the SailGP incident NZ/France
Black Foils grinder Louis Sinclair sustained compound fractures to both legs in the crash. He was evacuated from the water by SailGP’s on water safety team and transported to Auckland Hospital, where he underwent surgery. Black Foils co CEO and driver Peter Burling confirmed surgeons pinned Sinclair’s right leg and that he is now able to weight bear, describing the outcome as positive given the severity of the injuries.
In an official update, the Black Foils confirmed Sinclair is in a stable condition in Auckland Hospital after receiving treatment for compound fractures suffered to both legs during the crash. Earlier, co CEO and driver Peter Burling confirmed surgery had been completed, with surgeons pinning Sinclair’s right leg and enabling him to weight bear.
A photo shared by the New Zealand team shows Sinclair standing with bandaged legs, supported by a walking frame and surrounded by teammates. The image has been widely shared across social media, prompting messages of support from across the global sailing community.
On board the French F50, strategist Manon Audinet was thrown into the wheel structure during the impact. In a public update, DS Team France confirmed she remains under close medical surveillance following the shock and multiple bruises sustained in the collision. The team said she is being fully cared for by Auckland medical staff and that their priority is her swift recovery.
“There are days that remind you of the essentials,” the French team wrote. “Our priority is Manon’s speedy recovery. The whole team stands by her and gives her their full support.”
Both teams have expressed gratitude to SailGP safety crews, local medical professionals and fans worldwide for their messages of support. The professionalism of the league’s emergency response has been widely acknowledged in the days following the crash.
2026 SailGP Auckland, drivers react after France and Black Foils incident in Auckland
Racing was abandoned on the opening day of the Auckland event following the incident, and neither team returned to competition on day two due to the extent of the damage sustained.
An official investigation into the collision is ongoing as SailGP reviews the circumstances surrounding the incident.
