The Black Foils say they're "really feeling that aroha" after crashing out on Auckland’s Waitematā Harbour on the first day of the New Zealand Sail Grand Prix.
Two people were injured after the Kiwi team’s F50 catamaran collided with DS Team France at high speed during the third race of the day, causing the rest of Saturday's event to be abandoned.
Black Foils grinder Louis Sinclair had surgery for compound fractures – when the broken bone comes through the skin – in both legs following the crash. DS Team France strategist Manon Audinet was also injured in the dramatic collision.
Event organisers said two athletes were assessed and treated for injuries and were in a stable condition.
All other crew members were accounted for after support boats scrambled to the scene.
In a video posted to social media today, Black Foils co-chief executives Blair Tuke and Peter Burling thanked fans for their support during what had been a "very traumatic" incident.
"The review of the incidents still ongoing, but at the moment, the priority is definitely with Louis. He's been through surgery now and has had a really good kind of outcome there, so they've pinned his right leg and he can put weight there again now, which is which is great," Burling said.
"And so just want to say a massive thank you to everyone that's been involved in that process... it's been absolutely awesome. Means the world."
Tuke said the incident had been distressing, not only for the Black Foils, but their rivals.
"So just want to say a massive thank you, firstly, to everyone that helped with the incident, the first responders, but then also to the fans all over the world, and, of course, the ones watching live in Auckland," he said.
"It was tough for everyone, but the messages we've had, we're really feeling that aroha and it helps us bind us together as we pave the way forward."
New Zealand’s Black Foils and Spain’s Los Gallos both suffered crashes which left them out of action in Perth last month.
The ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix is the second of 13 events across five continents this season, with 13 SailGP Teams represented on Waitematā Harbour.
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