+39 Challenge wins protest, is awarded redress

by Peter Rusch on 6 Apr 2007
The Jury has ruled in the protest between +39 Challenge and United Internet Team Germany and awarded redress to the Italian team.

In terms of the incident on the water, the Jury ruled that the German team broke Rules 10 (opposite tacks) and 14 (avoiding contact) of the Racing Rules of Sailing.

Areva Challenge, originally protested by United Internet Team Germany, was absolved of any blame in the incident.

In terms of Redress, the Jury awarded +39 Challenge a fifth place finish in Race Three of Valencia Louis Vuitton Act 13 (no other positions in the race are affected).

In addition, +39 Challenge will hold on to the two bonus points it would earn from its current position on the Louis Vuitton Ranking table, regardless of its result in Act 13.

Further, the Jury ruled that the fairest solution for all boats was to allow +39 to accept the offer of the use of a Version 5 mast from United Internet Team Germany. The Jury acknowledges that this would require a Protocol amendment which it recommends.

Full costs have been directed against United Internet Team Germany.

The full written decision from the Jury is expected to be issued on Friday.