Extreme Penalty? World Cup, Port Stephens, IRC Nats and more...
by Rob Kothe and the Sail-World team on 17 Apr 2014

Dirk de Ridder wingsail trimmer for Oracle Racing - San Diego - Match Racing finals 2011 ACWS Guilain Grenier Oracle Team USA
http://www.oracleteamusamedia.com/
The predicted penalty of a five year suspension from the sport, for Oracle Team USA wing sail trimmer, Dirk de Ridder, would appear to be extreme by International standards.
The case is due to go before the International Sailing Federation's Review Board in late April. They will consider the report from the Disciplinary Commission, which is the body believed to have recommended a five year penalty on the Dutch America's Cup and Round the World sailor.
Even so, five years is quite an extreme penalty by international standards for drug and doping offences in sport, where the penalties have only in 2014 been increased from two to four years for a first offence.
Lots more to go on this we-thinks...
The ISAF Sailing World Cup Hyeres will see Olympic medallists, World Champions and ISAF Sailing World Cup medallists compete as the 2013-2014 series draws to a close. More than 1,100 sailors across ten Olympic and two Paralympic events will race on the French Riviera from Monday 21 April through to Saturday 26 April. And every serious Australian contender will be there.
The Sail-World team will be in the boat parks, ringing the harbour and on the water for the duration of this regatta and will be bringing you detailed news.
Sail Port Stephens has wrapped up for another year with the final Pantaenius Commodore’s Cup race on the bay. There were variable southerly winds and occasional showers as the moist weather continued for the 400 sailors sailing the three day cruising series.
Phil Grove’s Sydney 39Cr Huntress from Sydney scored back-to-back Commodore’s Cup division 1 wins this year and last.
Good to see that in the overall results Tamworth cattle farmer Len Payne’s Lidgard 10.6 Kerinda once again took the Commodore’s Cup division 2 victory for the second time in three years. Full coverage below.
2014 Audi IRC Australian Championships - The scene is set for the titles starting today, out of Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club and running through to Easter Sunday.
Looks like there will be some robust weather as the low pressure system over the south-eastern Tasman Sea and ex tropical cyclone ITA to north over the Coral Sea will deliver a seaway and 15-20 knot winds to start.
There lots of news today so read on…
And have a great Easter!!
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