The Ocean Race Europe Leg 1 Crash Jury Decision
by Mark Jardine 25 Aug 05:38 EST
Holcim PRB damaged during The Ocean Race Europe start in Kiel, Germany on August 10 © Vincent Curutchet / The Ocean Race Europe
An International Jury has decided Team Holcim-PRB is entitled to redress for Leg 1. Holcim-PRB's finishing position in Leg 1 will be equal to its average finishing position at the finish of legs 2 to 5 of The Ocean Race Europe.
The team had been forced to retire from Leg 1 of The Ocean Race Europe after a collision with Allagrande Mapei Racing.
Both boats retired after the contact which came in the moments after the start of the race in Kiel, Germany two weeks ago.
The Jury said no further penalties would be imposed on either team (beyond retiring from the opening stage) but that Holcim-PRB should be given redress (i.e. scoring points for leg 1) for being knocked out of the leg.
Are the Sprint Gate's good for The Ocean Race Europe, or are IMOCA yachts unsuitable for this kind of tight racing? Give us your views and have a read of Blurring the line between sport and entertainment for further thoughts from me.