Two sailors have been injured in a high-speed crash between New Zealand and France on the first day of the SailGP race in Auckland, New Zealand on Saturday.
Both sailors were taken to hospital and were said to be awake and alert. Their names and conditions are not immediately available, The Associated Press reported.
The crash occurred in the third of four SailGP races scheduled on Saturday. As the fleet of 13 boats approached the first gate at speeds of almost 90 kilometers per hour (56 mph), the New Zealand yacht lost control and spun into the path of France.
The French boat rode over the top of the New Zealand boat causing severe damage to both boats which were locked together. Racing was abandoned for the day while the injured sailors were ferried to shore and to hospital and while the damaged boats were recovered.
Television footage suggested the New Zealand boat had lifted and heeled at speed, causing the rudder to rise out of the water.
New Zealand had just returned after a crash with Switzerland in the first event of the season in Perth, Australia which was won by Britain. The New Zealand driver Peter Burling received demerit points on his super sailing license for his role in that collision.
In SailGP, teams from 13 nations race identical 50-foot catamarans which rise out of the water on foils and are capable of reaching speeds of 100 kph (60 mph).
Two races were completed on Saturday before the crash. Australia won the first and New Zealand won the second. Racing on the second day Sunday will start early because of the threat of thunderstorms.
