Classics at Mahurangi - Juniors at Wakatere - History in Sanya

by . on 28 Jan 2015 Welcome to Sail-World.com’s New Zealand e-magazine for January 27, 2014

There's plenty of sailing action in New Zealand and internationally, plus the America's Cup, 2013 edition, looks set to take a new turn.

On Friday afternoon, one of the Cup Five, Matthew Mitchell (NZL) gave notice of laying a complaint with the International Sailing Federation requesting the world body to take action against Simeon Tienpont (NED) regarding inaction by the International Jury following the measurement tampering in the 2013 America's Cup World Series.

The detail of what went down has been done to death over the past year or more, and won't be regurgitated here.

But Mitchell's claim is different from the other that was lodged earlier by a former ISAF President.

For the first time, one of the people directly involved has stood up to start a fight back, rather than have others fire bullets on his behalf.

Secondly the issue contains new evidence - being an acknowledgement during the Court for Arbitration for Sport hearing (on another of the Cup Five, Dirk de Ridder) that there was an Oracle Team USA internal investigation into the measurement tampering. It was disclosed that the International jury did interview the investigator, but the notes of that interview were not put in front of the Cup Five so they could be aware of their contents and cross examine if necessary.

A few minutes research turned up an Oracle Team USA statement to the International Jury that read in extract:

Mr Simmer informed OTUSA CEO Russell Coutts immediately and on Sunday, July 28 Mr Coutts returned to San Francisco and immediately launched a further investigation, which is ongoing…. Mr Coutts is continuing his investigation. However, in response to Mr Tillett’s comments this morning to Mr Simmer about the independence of the investigation, we are considering appointing an independent person to undertake an investigation on this matter and, regardless, will keep the Jury informed of progress and findings....OTUSA recognizes the seriousness of this matter. This is an exceptional circumstance and OTUSA requests that this matter be treated confidentially until at least the conclusion of the CEO’s (or other independent) investigation and such report is provided to the Jury.

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It would seem from what was revealed at CAS that the Oracle Team USA investigation was not completed, and there was no Report to the Jury - aside from an informal interview with the Oracle Team USA investigator. If there is such a report - then surely the Cup Five are entitled to see it, and comment/cross examine. It seems they were denied this opportunity.

It is very difficult to see how the ISAF cannot now re-open this case, however awkward and difficult this may be for some parties. For sure the matter has to be finally resolved it is not in the best interest of the America's Cup or the sport, for this innuendo to continue.

Mitchell made his announcement after the ISAF had resolved that they would take no further action against him in regard to the incident. We have all the details for those who wish to read them in this issue.

On Saturday, the Mahurangi Regatta was again staged on the picturesque Mahurangi Harbour. The regatta can trace its origins have to 1865 or even 1858. That's just seven years after the first America's Cup was sailed. Over the years, it has taken many forms, but latterly the Mahurangi Regatta t has become the rallying point for the Classic Yacht fleet of Auckland. It is a sight to behold as many beautiful yachts that are the history of sailing in Auckland, have a race/parade of sail up and down the sheltered harbour.

The course around the back of Saddle Island is usually about as much of a test as most would want - as they tack up a reef strewn lee shore. No-one ever seems quite sure how much their charges are making in leeway, but being sufficiently competitive that they don't want to over-stand the reef, and Ranger's Rock, at the next turning point.

Afterwards, there is a very pleasant session as the boats anchor off historic Scott's Landing for a yarn aboard with a competitor or two. And then adjourning ashore for the very informal prize giving and more lies of what might have been.

The other main event of the weekend, in Auckland at least, was the combined Auckland Optimist and Starling Championships, which attracted a fleet of 235 boats - the in the Optimist Open (110 boats) and Green Fleets (50) and Starling (75).

While not majestic spectacle of the Classics, the Optimists are amazing as to how sailors as young as ten years can cope with such close racing and emerge with smiles all around.

For sure those at the top come away pleased or disappointed with their performance. But the sailing is as tough as you will get in any class. It is very easy to drop your bundle in one race and have a place well down the fleet.

Equally every kid seems to have their day and the thrill of being at the front of the fleet, however briefly, hopefully, stays with them long after the not so great places have fade from memory.

Those down the back of the fleet can take comfort too, from the knowledge that many of New Zealand's top sailors never sailed Optimists or P-class. And, if they did, were hopeless - which encouraged them to get out and into another class that they really enjoyed sailing and just went from strength to strength.

We've several image galleries in this edition of both the Optimists and Classics (sorry we didn't venture out as far as the Starling course). Try our new feature to see the images in full-screen - just click on any image and a slide show will start, and you can flip through the gallery at your leisure. Just press ESC to exit.

In China, today world sailing history was made when a Chinese flagged entry won the third leg of the 2014-15 Volvo Ocean Race. It is the first time that a Chinese, or any Asian boat for that matter, has won a major trans-oceanic race.

This is also a huge benchmark for the sport generally which is oft-criticized for being the domain of rich white men. Remember the Olympic Commission report after the 2008 Olympics and its comments about the sailing success or lack of it, in the so-called developing countries? Now Dongfeng have broken through that glass ceiling.

At Wakatere - it was a similar story - with six countries competing, and it was not unusual to see a KOR (Korea) or FRA (New Caledonia) sail number at the front of the fleet.

And finally what a great organisational effort at Wakatere, with parents, club members and Clubs all working together to produce a great event, and something no club could have down without the assistance of the others. They were blessed with beautiful weather, lovely sea breezes each day and an event that could not have been bettered.

Follow all the racing and developments in major and local events on www.sail-world.com/nz

Good sailing!

Richard Gladwell
NZ Editor

sailworldnzl@gmail.com

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If you would like to see these images in full screen, try our new feature - click on any one image, a slide show will start and you can see the images in full screen mode. To exit press ESC