SailGP: Kiwis and French to miss KPMG Sydney Sail Grand Prix
by SailGP.com 18 Feb 15:18 PST
The French starboard hull is joined with the Black Foils' port hull - Southern Spars - February 18, 2026 © Southern Spars
New Zealand and France will not compete at next weekend’s KPMG Sydney Sail Grand Prix, following the high-speed collision between the two F50s in Auckland.
The incident occurred at the start of race three on opening day of the ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix, when the New Zealand F50 lost control approaching mark one at speed before turning sharply in front of the French boat. Both boats sustained significant damage in the crash.
Following comprehensive inspection and non-destructive testing, components from both F50s have been assessed. The New Zealand central pod and port hull have been cleared for reuse, while its starboard hull and cross beams sustained extensive structural damage.
The French central pod, beams and starboard hull have passed inspection following repair work, while its port hull suffered significant damage and will not return to service.
Engineering teams are now focused on rebuilding a race-ready platform by combining viable components from both boats. Both teams have been advised they will not race in Sydney, with all efforts directed toward returning them safely to the start line as soon as possible.
Two athletes – New Zealand’s Louis Sinclair and France’s Manon Audinet – were evacuated from the race course by SailGP’s on-water safety team and taken to hospital for treatment.
Sinclair underwent surgery to a fracture to his right leg and is in stable condition, now home. Audinet, who sustained abdominal bruising, remains under medical observation as a precaution and is recovering well.
A full review of the incident is underway, including detailed analysis of performance data and onboard systems, to understand precisely what occurred and identify any learnings.
Athlete welfare remains SailGP’s highest priority and any findings will be acted upon, in line with how similar incidents have been managed in the past.