Editorial- ISAF under the blow torch

Ernesto Bertarelli sailing Le Black - but what will Alinghi use if the AC is held in October 2008? George Johns/Alinghi www.alinghi.com

Will ISAF get it right in May? © ISAF

Now there is the opportunity to right the wrong. Whether the ISAF Council takes that opportunity is their call, as are the consequences.

They should be in no doubt on the views of over 6000 sailors who have signed the online petition sent to the President of the Intrenational Olympic Committee and all 100 members of the IOC.

Neither should they be unaware of the views of the online sailing media which can be seen at

http://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/news/08/0508a/!Sailing_Scuttlebutt, http://www.sailinganarchy.com/index_page1.php!Sailing_Anarchy, www.sail-world.com/indexs.cfm?nid=44234!Sail_World, http://sailjuiceblog.com/2008/05/09/time-to-do-the-right-thing/!Sail_Juice, www.catsanddinghies.nl!Cats_and_Dinghies

Along with Tim Jeffery's excellent commentary in the http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/sport/timjeffery/may2008/isafhearingbutnotlistening.htm!Daily_Telegraph

Or Bob Fisher's views www.sail-world.com/indexs.cfm?nid=44129!here

The traffic from the media side is all one way on this one.

So often we hear ISAF Councillors opining about the need to make the sport more media friendly, and then fiddling around the edges. Well here is your big chance, chaps. The only question is will you take it?

Scarlino Eurofinn 2008 9 May - ESP Rafael Trujillo wins Race 8 in the Finn Europeans © James Taylor

In Tuscany, Dan Slater has missed the cut for the Medal Race for the European Finn Championships, his second miss in a row. But as he reported yesterday, he has an issue with the set up of his Finn, which cannot be rectified until after this regatta.

In the RSX Europeans, the communication out of Brest has been rather haphazard. However from the results table it would seem that Barbara Kendall has made the Medal Race, lying sixth before the final day. You can see the action for yourself www.rsxclass.com/europeans2008.html!here

In the America's Cup, Societe Nautique de Geneve has suffered another blow at the hands of the New York Supreme Court, Appellate Division, this time.

Their plea for a stay of proceedings while the Appeal proceeds has been turned down by the full Bench, reinforcing the decision made at the earlier pre-hearing.

In short, it is not looking good for the Defenders of the America's Cup, with the Court now expected to rule in favour of an October 2008 date.

TP52 - Audi Medcup Circuit 2008 © Audi MedCup Circuit http://www.2008.medcup.org

SNG have used their single Appeal opportunity, and unless there is some compelling new argument which has not previously been raised, then it is likely that their opportunity for a second Appeal will be denied by the Court.

At that point the Court battle will be over, and Alinghi will have to face the music on the water or forfeit.

Seemingly anticipating that the legal battle is nearing an end and the PR war is now their best shot, the Defender made a new move with a purported attempt to influence a Scuttlebutt poll. No great crime in that, probably happens all the time by various parties wishing to gain a point. However this time it seems that SNG were caught.

Also opening is a new front on the Customs House Registry of the Challenger from Golden Gate YC. This is a document that must be supplied 'as soon as possible' under the Deed of Gift. At this stage the issue is just an exchange of letters, but could develop into something more, as the Defender plays for time.

Good sailing!

Richard Gladwell
NZ Editor