SailGP Auckland Race 3 was abandoned following a high speed collision between New Zealand and France on the second leg of the course.
The fleet started cleanly at 4.52pm in a freshening breeze. Conditions had built since the previous race, with sharper and more uneven gusts across the racecourse.
New Zealand and France came together at speed in strengthening gusts. From on water observation, New Zealand appeared to lose balance briefly in a gust before contact occurred. Safety teams responded immediately.
Previously
At Mark 1, the fleet remained tightly grouped. Denmark rounded within half a second of the lead, with Canada immediately behind. The United States, Great Britain and Australia were all within three seconds. Margins were minimal and the course remained congested.
Shortly after the start, France lodged a protest against New Zealand. The umpires penalised the Black Foils for failing to give room. The fleet remained compressed through the next phase of racing, with boats approaching Mark 2 separated by only seconds.
A yellow flag was displayed as the leading group converged near the top of the course. Moments later, the red flag signalled the abandonment of SailGP Auckland Race 3.
No result was recorded and no points were awarded.
The abandonment underscores the intensity of racing in Auckland’s confined course area, where tight spacing and rising breeze leave little margin for error. Racing is scheduled to continue pending further assessment.
