DS Automobiles and Black Foils F50s Rebuilt in Avondale
Alexandra
The starboard hull of the DS Automobiles F50 has been mated to the port hull of the Black Foils F50 at Southern Spars' Avondale workshop, with both crossbeams refitted and a bespoke skin repair scheduled where the Black Foils bowsprit impacted the French boat.
Damage overview and immediate logistics
The collision during Race 3 at ITM NZ SailGP produced localized structural damage but left a number of major assemblies salvageable. Teams carried out an initial damage inspection ashore: the starboard hull of DS Automobiles showed upper-surface damage where the Black Foils bow contacted it, a section has been removed and a replacement insert will be glassed in at Southern Spars. Both T-foil units and their cases — not involved in the direct impact — appear intact, while concerns remain about potential water ingress to electrical bays.
Transport and staging of parts are being managed within a tight schedule: crossbeams were reassembled on-site, wingsail components were removed or stabilized, and the fairing skin has been stripped for full inspection. Any electrical replacements require dry storage, certified technicians, and lead time for wiring harnesses and control modules to be re-certified before sea trials.
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Component condition: quick reference
| Component | DS Automobiles | Black Foils | Repair Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starboard hull | Upper surface damage, section removed | Port hull intact | Insert new laminate panel; fairing work |
| Crossbeams | Reused | Reused | Refit and alignment checks |
| Wingsail (18m) | Towed ashore; condition under inspection | Damaged main spar elements | Strip and replace mid-sections as needed |
| T-Foils & rudders | Likely unscathed | Likely unscathed | Functional testing |
| Electrical systems | Potential ingress risk | Potential ingress risk | Full diagnostic & replacements if wet |
Repair workflow and workforce
Repairs are being overseen by a joint crew of SailGP Technologies and Southern Spars personnel, recognizable by orange and workshop shirts respectively. The work sequence includes core structural reattachment, non-destructive testing of laminates, reinstallation of control runs, functional testing of foils and hydraulics, and finally seal and fairing operations before sea trials.
Key logistical constraints include: availability of certified lamination materials, specialized tooling for foil alignment, and shipping windows to move the finished platform to a staging harbour ahead of the next regatta. Given the calendar, moving a repaired F50 to Sydney for the February 28 round represented a significant challenge even before hidden damage assessments were complete.
Technical lineage and historical context
The hull that forms the basis of the DS Automobiles F50 traces its origin to the Emirates Team NZ AC50 that won the 2017 America's Cup. Southern Spars, which built that AC50, is also handling the present repairs — a full-circle situation that underscores how high-performance multihull platforms are repurposed across campaigns. As part of the conversion from an AC50 to the one-design F50, cyclor positions were removed and systems simplified, but the original structural pedigree remains.
Wingsail architecture and implications
All F50 wings use a modular architecture where top and bottom sections remain constant and mid-sections are added to set rig height; the bottom section houses many complex control and load systems. The 18-metre wingsail involved in this incident will require detailed structural checks, with particular attention to the main spar and appended control elements that reportedly sustained damage on the Black Foils craft.
Short-term impact on SailGP operations
Operationally, the immediate question has been whether either hull experienced water ingress; wet electronics would force a full systems strip and replacement, increasing downtime and cost. For event organizers, the loss of two competitive boats in one race has scheduling and spare-equipment implications, including contingency for spare wingsails and rapid replacement foils.
- Sea trials will be mandatory after repairs: system checks under load, foil lift tests, and incremental performance runs.
- Certification by SailGP technical officials will be required before re-entry into competition.
- Logistics — transporting a repaired F50 internationally requires careful crating and heavy-lift coordination with ports and freight partners.
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What this means for charter and coastal operators
Although this incident is specific to a high-performance racing class, it highlights industry-wide realities relevant to charter and marina operators: the need for rapid repair facilities near sailing hubs, the value of modular rigging for quicker returns to service, and the importance of spare inventories. For owners and captains in pleasure boating sectors, the same supply-chain pressures — parts lead time, certified technicians, and dry storage availability — affect downtime for yachts and powerboats alike.
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Planning ahead: forecasting the impact
Forecast: the collision and subsequent rebuild are important within the SailGP series and for teams' logistics, but they are unlikely to alter the global tourism and travel map significantly. The primary impacts are regional and event-specific: potential reshuffling of race entries, tightened equipment pools, and greater emphasis on nearby repair capacity for future events. Start planning your next seaside adventure and make sure to book the best boat and yacht rentals with GetBoat before the opportunity sails away!
Highlights: the incident underscores critical themes — modular design speeds repairs, spare parts and certified technicians are strategic assets, and recovery of high-value components is possible with coordinated workshop logistics. Experiencing a new location is always a multifaceted process where you learn about culture, nature, the indescribable palette of local colors, its rhythm of life and also the unique aspects of the service. If you are planning your next trip to the sea, you should definitely consider renting a boat (boat rentals, rent a boat, rent a yacht), as each inlet, bay, and lagoon is unique and tells you about the region just as much as the local cuisine, architecture, and language GetBoat.com
Summary: the DS Automobiles and Black Foils collision resulted in a pragmatic salvage-and-rebuild approach at Southern Spars in Avondale, with crossbeams reused, a hull insert planned, wingsail sections under inspection, and electrical systems awaiting clearance. For sailors, charterers and marinas the episode is a reminder of the value of modular systems, available repair capacity and logistical planning. GetBoat.com supports this theme by offering transparent, global booking and sales options for yachts and boats — from leisure charters and day boat rentals to larger yacht sales — helping you plan clearwater days on the sea or a gulf cruise with confidence. Whether you seek a superyacht charter, a small sailing craft for fishing and activities, or a fast day sail with a captain, GetBoat emphasizes transparency, convenience and choice for unforgettable yachting and boating experiences.
