ISAF to reconsider 2012 Olympic Multihull decision

by Bob Maxwell on 4 Apr 2008
Following the controversy that erupted over the ISAF decision to remove the multihull from the 2012 Olympic Sailing events, the decision will be reconsidered at the mid-year ISAF meeting in Qingdao, China over the 8 to 12 May. A simple majority vote will be taken to reaffirm the earlier decision - depending on the result of that vote further voting will be required to effect a change to either the Men's or Women's events.

In an attempt to end the controversy the ISAF Executive Committee believes it will be prudent for the ISAF Council to have the opportunity to affirm or otherwise its decision taken in November 2007 on the events for the 2012 Olympic Sailing Competition.

Therefore, the Executive Committee has put forward Urgent Submission M06-08, which invites Council to reaffirm or otherwise their decision on the events for the 2012 Olympic Sailing Competition. The Executive Committee says its intent in making this submission is to bring to a close the current speculation challenging the Council decision.

Depending on the results of the first vote on the Urgent Submission M06-08 - a simple majority decision - further votes may be necessary. If the vote reaffirms the decision, the multihull will remain eliminated. But, if the Council does not reaffirm the decision then two separate votes must follow to decide what action will be taken to decide the changes to the classes:

1. Should the selected events for the Men be changed.

2. Should the selected events for the Women be changed.

These require a two thirds majority to effect a change.

The 2008 IFDS Qingdao International Regatta is taking place at the Qingdao Olympic Sailing Centre from 8-16 May in partnership with the Qingdao Municipal Government and the China Paralympic Committee.

Meetings of the ISAF Council, ISAF Executive Committee and ISAF Events Committee will take place from 8-12 May 2008.

In respect of the equipment for the 2012 Olympic Sailing Competition, Council will make a list of the equipment it considers may possibly be appropriate for selection at the 2008 Annual Conference. This list will include all equipment which has been the subject of a valid submission and by the deadline 61 separate equipment submissions had been received.