BLACK FOILS AND DS TEAM FRANCE THANKFUL FOR SUPPORT AFTER DRAMATIC AUCKLAND CRASH
The Black Foils and DS Automobiles SailGP Team France have issued heartfelt thanks after two athletes were injured in a major crash in Auckland.
Hurtling towards mark one at 90 km/h, the New Zealand F50 appeared to lose grip and slip sideways – before turning sharply in front of DS Team France, pitching forward and aggressively decelerating.
With France close behind, a major collision occurred with both F50s suffering catastrophic damage.
Black Foils grinder Louis Sinclair suffered compound fractures to both legs in the crash, while DS Team France strategist Manon Audinet was thrown into the wheel of the French F50.
Both were evacuated off the water by the SailGP safety team then taken to hospital in Auckland for treatment.
Racing was abandoned on the opening day following the incident. The damage to both F50s was such that they could not compete on the second day of the Grand Prix.
Black Foils co-CEOs Peter Burling and Blair Tuke took to social media to thank all those involved in the aftermath of the incident as well as SailGP fans around the globe for their support.
“Thanks to everyone for the support during this tough period,” said Burling, driver of the Black Foils.
“The review of the incident is still ongoing, but at the moment the priority is definitely with Louis – he’s been through surgery now and has had a good outcome. The surgeons have pinned his right leg and he can weight-bear again, which is great.
“I just want to say a massive thank you to everyone who’s been involved in that process – all the caregivers and staff at Auckland Hospital who helped him out along the way. It’s been awesome, and it means the world.
Tuke, who is also the Black Foils’ wing trimmer, added: “Saturday’s incident was obviously a very traumatic one, not only for the Black Foils but also for the French team and everyone around it.
“I just want to say a massive thank you firstly to everyone who helped with the incident but also to the fans all over the world, especially those watching live in Auckland.
“It was tough for everyone but we’re really feeling the aloha from all the messages we’ve had, and that helps bind us together as we pave a way forward.”
DS Team France driver Quentin Delapierre echoed the sentiments of Burling and Tuke.
“My concerns are with Manon and Louis – we support them and wish them a safe recovery,” he said.
“We’ve experienced a massive incident but we are thankful for the professionalism of our team and the league who take care of the injured sailors safely. Thanks for the worldwide support we received these past few days – we are working to be back on track soon.”
An investigation into the incident is ongoing.
