Day 1 of Auckland Sail Grand Prix Abandoned Following Collision
New Zealand and France suffer damage after collision; all athletes accounted for
Published 02/14/2026
Day 1 of the ITM Auckland Sail Grand Prix was abandoned at the start of Race 3 following a serious collision between New Zealand Black Foils and DS Automobiles France.
The two teams’ F50s unavoidably collided on the approach to Mark 1, with both boats sustaining considerable damage. All athletes were swiftly accounted for. Two athletes - one from each team - are being treated for injuries and in a stable condition.Â
In variable winds of 24 km/hr gusting up to 33 km/hr, conditions were tricky as all 13 teams lined up in the start box for the first time this season.
There was a false start to Race 1 with a hard system reset meaning the fleet was halted less than 30 seconds before the line turned white. At the second attempt, it was ROCKWOOL Denmark who hit the line right on time, but France led at Mark One.
In shifty conditions, the lead changed hands continuously with France, New Zealand Black Foils and the BONDS Flying Roos all in contention. However, it was 2025 Auckland Sail Grand Prix winners Australia who took the win comfortably, followed home by France and New Zealand – just.
For the U.S. SailGP Team, Taylor Canfield and co. battled back from an early penalty on Emirates GBR to finish 8th and collect three points, climbing as high as P6 at one stage.Â
Race 2 saw Switzerland penalized for being on-course side (OCS) but it was Artemis who led at M1 with Los Gallos and Mubadala Brazil in hot pursuit. The 2024 Champions Spain soon took over at the head of the pack with the lead changing hands. The Black Foils assumed control of proceedings and although Emirates GBR briefly moved into P1, the hosts secured the win.
Behind them, though, there was drama aplenty as Los Gallos were penalized at the line. That enabled the Brits to move into P2 with France the beneficiaries to take P3. For the U.S. SailGP Team, the wind dropped and they could only cross in P12.Â
Racing is scheduled to return at 11.30am NZDT on Sunday, February 15.
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