Yachting journalist Stuart Alexander suffered serious injuries after being hit by an automobile, similar to the one pictured, in Auckland’s Viaduct Basin where he was based covering the Louis Vuitton Trophy.

He was meant to be celebrating his birthday with a special dinner in Auckland that evening. Instead he was rushed to hospital and has only recently come off the critical list and out of intensive care having suffered some very severe injuries.

Yachting PR Peta Stuart-Hunt said: ‘I am sure I will be joined by many in wishing Stuart a belated Happy Birthday but more importantly sending our warmest best wishes for a full recovery.’