The New Zealand SailGP Team, the Black Foils, have confirmed that grinder Louis Sinclair has been discharged from Auckland Hospital and is continuing his recovery in Auckland with his immediate family and the wider team.
Sinclair sustained compound fractures to both legs during the collision between the Black Foils and DS Automobiles SailGP Team France in Race 3 of the ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix | Auckland. He underwent surgery shortly after the incident, with surgeons pinning his right leg. Team co CEO and driver Peter Burling confirmed the procedure was successful and that Sinclair is already able to weight bear as part of his rehabilitation. His medical team is confident he will make a full recovery.
Speaking at a media briefing, Burling commended Sinclair’s composure throughout the incident and its aftermath.
“It’s incredible to see someone in a situation like that remain so calm,” Burling said. “He was instrumental in telling us what he was feeling, where the pressure was, and actually getting those two boats apart.”
Co CEO Blair Tuke described Sinclair’s demeanour as consistent with his character, highlighting his calmness from the moment of impact through to surgery and into the early stages of recovery.
The team also addressed the broader wellbeing of the group. Both Burling and Tuke acknowledged the physical and psychological impact of the incident, describing it as a traumatic event for those on board and the wider SailGP community.
“It was a pretty horrific incident,” Tuke said. “We’re taking it day by day and making sure everyone is supported in the way they need.”
The Black Foils confirmed they will not compete at the KPMG Australia Sail Grand Prix | Sydney as SailGP undertakes a formal review process. For now, the priority remains Sinclair’s rehabilitation and ensuring the wellbeing of the athletes and support crew as they continue their recovery.
