Auckland’s Waitematā Harbour became the scene of a dramatic collision during the New Zealand Sail Grand Prix on Saturday, February 14, 2026, leaving two sailors injured and prompting calls for a reevaluation of racing formats within the SailGP series. The high-speed incident, involving the New Zealand and French teams, resulted in significant damage to both vessels and a suspension of racing for the day. The incident underscores the inherent risks of the rapidly evolving sport of SailGP, where teams compete in hydrofoiling catamarans capable of reaching speeds exceeding 60 mph.
The crash occurred during the sprint to the first mark of race three, according to reports from RNZ. Replays indicated that the New Zealand boat, known as the Black Foils, appeared to lose control of its rudder, spinning into the path of the French team’s vessel. The French boat subsequently sailed over the bow of the New Zealand craft, a jarring visual captured by multiple photographers. While all crew members were accounted for, one sailor from each team sustained injuries and required immediate transport to a local hospital. The remainder of the fleet continued around the mark before racing was called off as attention shifted to the entangled boats and injured sailors.
Phil Robertson, driver of the Italian SailGP team, and a veteran of the series, believes the incident necessitates a serious discussion about safety protocols and race formats. Robertson, who was born in Auckland, narrowly avoided a similar incident during the build-up to race one, experiencing a near capsize when a gust of wind threatened to overturn his boat. He expressed concern over the increasing number of boats competing – this year’s New Zealand SailGP marked the first time the fleet raced with 13 teams, including the newly joined Artemis Sweden – and the challenges of navigating a short racecourse at high speeds.
“I think it’s the shortest racecourse in SailGP and 13 boats… yeah, I don’t recognize,” Robertson said, as reported by RNZ. “I think questions will be asked.” He suggested that splitting the fleet into two heats of seven could mitigate the risk of collisions, particularly in challenging weather conditions. “Bigger courses sure, 13 boats no problem, but I think tiny courses and sizeable breeze, when everyone’s on the limit of control already, it’s probably a smart idea to start having that conversation seriously.”
However, not all drivers agree with Robertson’s assessment. Dylan Fletcher, the defending SailGP champion from Great Britain, expressed a preference for maintaining a single fleet, stating that the increased number of boats doesn’t significantly alter the racing dynamic. “I’d rather it stay as one fleet,” Fletcher said. “It doesn’t honestly feel that different, whether you’ve got 11 or 13.” He noted that the separation at the start of the race provides sufficient space for maneuvering.
The incident in Auckland follows a similar issue at the season-opener in Perth last month, where the Spanish boat sustained damage during practice and was unable to compete. Organizers have previously explored the possibility of expanding the fleet to 14 teams in the future, and the experimentation with split heats reflects a proactive approach to addressing safety concerns. The current format, with 13 boats, represents a significant increase in on-water traffic, and complexity.
Robertson, who has been involved with SailGP since its inception in 2019, having previously steered teams from China, Spain, and Canada, acknowledged the inherent risks of the sport. He described the incident as “shocking” but emphasized that it was ultimately a racing incident. He as well recounted his own close call during the build-up to race one, where his Italian team narrowly avoided a capsize. “You wet your pants a little and move on,” he quipped when asked about the prospect of racing in strong winds on the Waitematā.
The damage to the New Zealand boat, Amokura, is reportedly extensive, and it is expected to be out of action for a considerable period. The French boat was towed back to Wynyard Basin for repairs. Organizers have suspended racing for the remainder of the day on February 14, and Sunday’s schedule has been adjusted to avoid the worst of an approaching weather system. The incident has undoubtedly shaken the entire SailGP fleet, prompting a period of reflection and a renewed focus on safety.
As SailGP continues to evolve and attract a growing audience, the balance between thrilling competition and athlete safety remains a critical challenge. The events in Auckland will likely fuel a comprehensive review of racing protocols and course configurations, with the goal of minimizing the risk of future incidents. The SailGP organization has not yet released a detailed statement regarding the incident or any planned changes to the racing format, but further updates are expected in the coming days.
The next scheduled event for SailGP is in late February, and organizers are expected to provide an update on the condition of the injured sailors and any changes to the racing schedule before then. The focus will be on ensuring the safety of all competitors as the series moves forward.
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