— Story credit: Yachting World- Racing was abandoned at the ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix in Auckland on Saturday after a high-speed collision left Antiguan sailor Louis (Nicholson) Sinclair injured.
Sinclair, who competes as a grinder with the New Zealand Black Foils, was taken to hospital following the crash involving the Black Foils and DS Automobiles SailGP Team France during Race 3. He was reported to be in stable condition.
The incident occurred shortly after the start in strong, gusty winds on a tight course off Auckland’s shoreline. The Black Foils F50, helmed by Peter Burling, appeared to lose rudder grip on the first reaching leg, skidding sideways before spinning into the wind and stopping broadside directly in front of the French boat.
French skipper Quentin Delapierre attempted to avoid the stricken vessel, but the French F50’s port hull slammed into the starboard hull and cockpit of the New Zealand boat.
All sailors were accounted for, but Sinclair sustained compound fractures to both legs, according to a team statement. “Sinclair is receiving treatment for compound fractures to both legs but is in a stable condition,” the statement said, thanking medical staff for their response.
French sailor Manon Audinet was also transported to hospital for examination and was reported to be under observation in stable condition.
Racing was subsequently abandoned for the day.
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