Sail-World.com : America's Cup: Points, expulsions and fines in Jury Decision
America's Cup: Points, expulsions and fines in Jury Decision
|
|
|
'Oracle Team USA has been hit moderately hard in the decision of the International Jury - America’s Cup 2013'
Chuck Lantz
Click Here to view large photo
|
Several members of Oracle Team USA have been excluded for various periods of time, substantial fines have been levied on the team and the team deducted two points in the forthcoming America's Cup Regatta.
Well, they aren't actually deducted two wins, Oracle Team USA, just don't get the points for their first two wins, in the Match.
The International Jury has exonerated Team principals, specifically Grant Simmer and Russell Coutts, and it was their actions once they became aware of the measurement issues that carried a mitigation factor, without which the penalties would have been more substantial.
Six sailors were identified by the International Jury and five of those have been named in the Decision. The sixth identified as Sailor X had his case dismissed after the Jury determined that he was not at a particular impromptu meeting where the discussion was held about adding weight to the kingpost of the AC45's.
A long six weeks
The Decision brings to a close what should have been a minor measurement incident that has escalated into the most serious form of disciplinary Hearing in the sport.
It relates to the finding on July 26, that a builder supplied part, a kingpost, of three AC45's managed by America's Cup Defenders Oracle Team USA, had been tampered with, by having additional weight added to them.
The kingposts, also known as dolphin strikers, are struts that are located under the wingsail and sprit, through which support rigging is run and tensioned to spread structural loads in the AC45's and indeed most multihulls. The AC45's have two kingposts.
The weight discrepancy was discovered by boatbuilders working for America's Cup Regatta Management (ACRM), not members of Oracle Team USA.
The amount of additional weight added was miniscule, and it is equally hard to understand why it would be located outside of the prescribed corrector weight area, however the point is that it was a breach of the Class Rules for the AC45 - which is a one design manufacturer supplied class.
A second report from the Measurement Committee highlighted the fact that the length and end fittings on some of the kingposts used in the Oracle Team USA 45's were of a different length and internal construction than the factory supplied kingposts. And further that while other kingposts had been removed and repaired by other teams they were all identical to the factory supplied items. While two of those from the Oracle boats had a measurable variance.
This issue should have been a relatively simple matter of the team identifying the people involved, the circumstances, and providing the Measurer with a full explanation - all within 24 hours. Had they done so, they could maybe have avoided the ignominy of withdrawing from the last four events of the America's Cup World Series, of which Oracle Team USA had won three and finished second in the other, together with the two Hearings.
Two members of Oracle Team USA were found to have not told the truth to the international Jury, and the Chairman of the Measurement Committee told the Jury in response to questions about the reliance on the level of trust by the Measurement Committee on competitors and finding that this trust had been vetrayed by members of Oracel Team USA, Nick Nicholson said ' I felt old, and used, and stupid'.
Five measurement breaches
All told, five incidents of measurement irregularities were identified by the Jury and these were all found to have been deliberate actions of tampering with a measured boat, putting it out of class.
The members of the Oracle Team USA sailing and shore crew named by the International jury are Bryce Ruthenberg (AUS), Andrew Walker (NZL), Kyle Langford (AUS), Matt Mitchell (NZL) and Dirk de Ridder (NED).
In the cases of the two Australians the Jury excluded ,b>Bryce Ruthenberg (AUS) a member of the OTUSA shore team is excluded for the remainder of the 34th America's Cup Regatta. He will be reported to his national authority under International Sailing Federation Racing Rule 69.1, but with a recommendation that no action be taken because of his 'full, frank and early admissions'.
Similarly with his countryman, Kyle Langford (AUS), a wing trimmer on board Oracle Team USA who for similar reasons together with his age and inexperience in the America's Cup environment was given a warning, which means he can continue to sail, if selected, and no report is to be made to Yachting Australia. However in an earlier section of its Decision the Jury noted that they were 'comfortably satisfied that his conduct was a gross breach of a rule and good sportsmanship.'
Two New Zealanders will be reported to their National Authority, Yachting New Zealand, which will establish a panel to receive the report, run its own investigation, and make recommendations on penalty and reporting to the national body and the International sailing federation who run a similar process and may then impose world-wide suspensions from the sport. While these normally cover exclusion from sailing events, it does not deprive the sailors of their ability to earn a living outside sail racing.
Matt Mitchell (NZL) a member of the OTUSA sailing crew, is excluded for four races of the 34th America's Cup, and will be reported to Yachting New Zealand, but with a recommendation that no further action be taken. No reason is given for the recommendation. However in an earlier section of its Decision the Jury noted that they were 'comfortably satisfied that his conduct was a gross breach of a rule and good sportsmanship.'
A second New Zealander, Andrew Walker a member of the OTUSA shore crew has been excluded from the 34th America's Cup and will be reported to Yachting New Zealand. No recommendation will be made in his case, and it can be expected that further sanctions may be applied to him after a YNZ Hearing. In an earlier section of its Decision the Jury noted that they were 'comfortably satisfied that his conduct was a gross breach of a rule and good sportsmanship, and this was compounded by not telling the truth during the hearing.'
Oracle Team USA's wingsail trimmer Dirk de Ridder (NED) is excluded from the 34th America's Cup, and will be reported to the Dutch National Authority. Again there is no recommendation for leniency from the Jury. In an earlier section of its Decision the Jury noted that they were 'comfortably satisfied that his conduct was a gross breach of a rule and good sportsmanship.' The Jury were also comfortably satisfied that de Ridder gave instruction to add weight to the forward kingpost,; and that he knew the weight had been added; that it was a breach of the AC45 Class Rule; and that 'he did not tell the truth to the hearing in this regard.'
Fine to Charity
Of the financial penalty levied on Oracle Team USA, half will be paid to the Andrew Simpson Sailing Foundation and the other half to a charity for at-risk youth in the San Francisco area.
The team will be penalized by one point for each of the two races of the Match in which they would otherwise score a point, meaning that they don’t start with a minus points score, but if they win races, they will not receive points for their first two wins.
The match for the 34th America's Cup starts on September 7, when the Defender Oracle Team USA meets the Challenger Emirates Team NZ, sailing in AC72 catamarans.
The full decision can be read by clicking here and by clicking here
by Richard Gladwell
Click on the FB Like link to post this story to your FB wall
http://www.sail-world.com/index.cfm?nid=114024
6:58 PM Tue 3 Sep 2013GMT
Click here for printer friendly version
Click here to send us feedback or comments about this story.
Click for further information on
2013 America's Cup
Related News Stories:
MORE STORIES ...
|
The most outstanding sailing performances of the year are being celebrated by US Sailing with the announcement of its shortlist of nominees for the Rolex Yachtsman and Yachtswoman of the Year awards. The 2013 shortlist of nine men and six women, which includes 10 world champions, encompasses athletes racing cutting edge hydrofoils and kiteboards alongside stellar performers in one-design sailing.
...
[more]
Following a terrifyingly close race start to Race 5 in the Clipper 2013-14 Round the World Yacht Race, the fleet continues to put on one of the most competitive shows to date as each of the 12 teams battle to extend its lead in the overall race standings.
...
[more]
For the second consecutive year, a first since the creation of this title awarded by the French Sailing Federation for the past twelve years, Franck Cammas, the skipper of Groupama, has been voted Sailor of the Year.
...
[more]
Clipper Round the World Yacht Race 2013-14 is on day 7 of Race 5. It has been yet another eventful 24 hours for clipper race fleet with OneDLL momentarily reclaiming its crown. however, with just 10 miles separating the top four competitors the fight to win the coveted podium positions into Sydney continues, as the ocean sprint gets underway.
...
[more]
SOLAS Big Boat Challenge, hosted by the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia was held on Sydney Harbour. It has been a long time coming - but at last we have seen Bob Oatley’s six time Rolex Sydney Hobart line honours winner, Wild Oats XI, go head to head against Perpetual LOYAL, widely tipped as the boat most likely to rain on Bob Oatley’s parade in 2013.
...
[more]
SOLAS Big Boat Challenge images by Andrea Francollini. The CYCA's SOLAS Big Boat Challenge, one of Sydney's most spectacular sporting and harbour fixtures, has for 19 consecutive years marked the start of the Rolex Sydney Hobart lead-up events
...
[more]
The ISAF World Sailing Rankings for 9 December 2013 have been released. Disappointment at the Laser World Championship turned into joy at ISAF Sailing World Cup Melbourne for world number one Tom Burton (AUS) who won the second of five regattas of the 2013-14 series.
...
[more]
The next installment of The Transat, the original solo race across the North Atlantic that was born as the OSTAR, will start in its historical time slot in May 2016 from the UK to North America.
...
[more]
The outstanding programme of events for 2014 through to 2020 for Swan owners includes a number of high profile regattas and unique ClubSwan gatherings. In 2014, ClubSwan members once again have the opportunity to join fellow Swan owners in beautiful destinations around the world for a unique combination of racing, cruising and social events.
...
[more]
Sunday marked the commencement of activities at Ocean Reef Club in high anticipation of the very first ever Audi Melges 20 World Championship, fully supported by Melges USA and Coconut Grove Sailing Club. The day came to a perfect close with teams gathering at the home of George and Patty Lucas for an incredible, yet casual and easy kick-off dinner party.
...
[more]
In what may only be described as an electrifying, wild, and windy day, the sixth and final day of the PKRA Kitesurf World Cup Argentina was one for the record books. To the surprise of many, the light and variable winds that were forecast, gave way to up and down conditions ranging from 5-25 knots, lending to an amazing final day.
...
[more]
Clipper Round the World Yacht Race 2013-14 is on day 6 of Race 5. With just over 600 miles until Race 5 finish in Sydney, tactical decisions are starting to play out as the light winds at the front of the fleet threaten to jeopardise the leaders’ positions.
...
[more]
OK Dinghy World Ranking - Greg Wilcox (NZL) returns to the top of the final release for 2013 after another solid season. He climbs two places to retake the world number one position he last held in 2011. Nick Craig (GBR) remains in second while previous world No 1, Jørgen Svendsen (DEN), drops to third.
...
[more]
It seems a little hard to believe that it was three and half years ago that I first sailed the Weta, off Takapuna Beach on Auckland’s North Shore. An invitation to have another test sail soon got upped into a Media Race – competing against Boating New Zealand, and one of my sons.
...
[more]
Five Medal Races wrapped up the action at ISAF Sailing World Cup Melbourne with two nations dominating proceedings.
Australia dominated the multihull and skiff fleets whilst China locked out the opposition to take all six podium places in the RS:X.
...
[more]
Grey skies and a strong northerly wind greeted competitors on the final day of the ISAF World Sailing Cup Melbourne 2013. The winds initially gusting above 30kts, forced officials to hold crews ashore. But a weather window emerged with perfect timing and the winds dropped sufficiently to allow Medals racing to get underway in all five Olympic classes, almost on time at noon.
...
[more]
Clipper Round the World Yacht Race 2013-14 is on day 5 of Race 5. It’s been all change at the top of the leaderboard in the last 24 hours as OneDLL has relinquished its lead in race 5 to Sydney, leaving Derry~Londonderry~Doire to storm ahead of the fleet.
...
[more]
On day five of the PKRA Kitesurf World Cup Argentina, racers and freestylers returned to glassy conditions, similar to the day prior. While the forecast looked promising, anticipation was heightened, due to the fact that that only two days remained in the contest period.
...
[more]
In the Mini Transat, with each arrival brings the same deep happiness, the same relief to be able to say we went after our dream. They do not all express it in the same way, some are more exuberant than others. But everyone knows they battled their fears, sometimes against the hostile elements, at times with boredom. And they won the battle.
...
[more]
The 2013 Laser Masters World Championships in Oman produced a brand new set of champions today, closing the curtain on one of the most successful regattas in recent history.
...
[more]
Enjoy this selection of ISAF Sailing Word Cup Melbourne Laser and Laser Radial Medal Race photos by photographer Jeff Crow.
...
[more]
Jeff Crow was on site at the ISAF Sailing World Cup Melbourne to capture this gallery of images during the Finn Medal Race.
...
[more]
Photographer Jeff Crow was out on the water at the ISAF Sailing World Cup Melbourne to capture this gallery of images during the 470 Men and 470 Women's Medal Races.
...
[more]
Second gallery of images from the Medal Races - Day 6 of the ISAF World Sailing Cup Melbourne - featuring the Laser Radial (Women), Laser (Men), Finn, Womens 470 and Mens 470.
...
[more]
Sail-World's NZ Editor, Richard Gladwell was on the water for Day 5 of the ISAF Sailing World Cup Melbourne and filed this second gallery of images.
...
[more]
First gallery of images from the Medal Races - Day 6 of the ISAF World Sailing Cup Melbourne - featuring the Laser Radial (Women), Laser (Men), Finn, Womens 470 and Mens 470.
...
[more]
Star Sailors League 2013 - Update from Cayard Sailing:
Two races were held today in 10-12 knots out of the east. Austin and I went into todays races at the back of the leader board, but had a good day and managed to climb up a few positions.
...
[more]
Clipper Round the World Yacht Race 2013-14 is on day 4 of Race 5. With gusts up to 60 knots expected to batter the fleet within the next 24 to 48 hours, the skippers have been busy preparing their teams - ready for action as the race 5 to Sydney continues.
...
[more]
At the ISAF Sailing World Cup Melbourne today saw the first day of Olympic boat class medal races with the Men's and Women's 470, Finn, Laser, Laser Radial fleets contesting.
...
[more]
At Weta we have lots of new sailors or people who have come back to sailing after a long time away from it. So we often get a lot of questions about 'how to'. We have started a tips and tricks series to try and help people out and these are a few of our helpful videos!
...
[more]
|
|
Our Advertisers are committed to our sport, please support them!
This site and its contents are © Copyright TetraMedia Pty. Ltd and/or the original author, photographer etc. All Rights Reserved.
Photographs are copyright by law. If you wish to use or buy a photograph you must contact the photographer directly (there is a hyperlink in most cases to their website, or do a Google search.) with your request.
Please do not contact
Sail-World.com
as we cannot give permission for use of other photographer’s images.
Only if the photographer named on the image is Sail-world.com, Powerboat-world.com, Marinebusiness-world.com or NZBoating-World.com.
Contact us
.
Ph: +61 2 8006 1873
or complete our
feedback form
Contact us
.
View our Privacy Policy.
[ Go Home]
[ Banner Advertising Specification]
[Bot Archive ]
Customised news feeds -Marine Industry companies, Clubs and Associations have their own customised version of our news feed on their website.
Look_here_to_see_examples
|
| | |
