The league has long planned to move to a split-fleet format once they get 14 boats in the fleet, which will happen in 2027. SailGP trialled the format in Auckland last year for practice but chose not to race in it. “It really doesn’t really affect that situation that happened yesterday because they were sailing in a straight line and that could happen with two boats. He also said a sailor was trapped in a compartment of the boat in the immediate aftermath of the crash. The reigning SailGP champions said they compete in a high-performance league and were aware of the risks that came with it.

Source: New Zealand Herald February 15, 2026 03:49 UTC