Post a new report   Current published reports       Sort by event date       Sort by post date   Statistics & Reports       Current year statistics       Previous stats and reports   Comments or Questions? Administrators Login STATUS: NOT LOGGED USER: PASS: Date Event yyyy/mm/dd   Event Name   Comments   Dates yyyy/mm/dd 2010-8-25   35th Djerdap Cup   Two days before the event one IJ informed the OA that he was not able come due to very serious family problem. No replacement was able to be found. The Jury remained properly constituted according to N1.5 All six classes raced in the same course without any problem for the competitors. Although the race management was weak this did not cause any reason for redress request.   Published 2010-8-30   2010-8-23   Hobie 16 Open world Championships   One competitor Mick Butler AUS, defending World Champion, had an unfortunate incident approx 6 minutes before the start of an early race when he collided with a Korean boat removing the Korean rudder in the process. Ever the good sportsman, Mick accepted responsibility and quickly handed his own boat over to the Korean team. Mick managed to get the disabled Hobie ashore where the beach team, who saw what happened, had another boat for him. With a general recall thrown into the equation, Mick made it back to the starting area. The IJs when on the water all reported good rule compliance and noted many penalty turns being excuted. The event was run in a great spirit of friendliness. PRO David Brookes, AUS and RO Tony Lu, CHN did an excellent job despite occasionally fluky winds, hot sun, cold and rain, then hot sun again. Unfortunately time ran out on the last day and there was no wind and no racing.   Published 2010-8-30   2010-8-21   TOPPER WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP 2010   beautifull races   Published 2010-8-31   2010-8-21   ISAF Grade One & NA Grand Prix for Laser Full & Laser Radial   Well organized and well run regatta.   Published 2010-8-30   2010-8-21   DART WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP     Published 2010-8-30   2010-8-20   Hobie 16 Womens and Youth World Championships   We had a three protests where competitors complained of incidents at top and bottom marks. It was clear that some did not understand that a port tack boat that is overlapped at the leeward mark is entitled to room. In each case there was no contact and no rule infringed. The ROW outside boat gave room. We explained a couple of rules after the hearings. The International Hobie class uses a system called FPA. It stands for Finishing Points Allocated. The system is used for tail end boats. When the RC wishes to start a back to back race it "finishes" the last 2 or 3 boats on course and advises them to return to committ boat for a new start. The system works well. Large storms came in on the last day and racing was terminated due to safety concerns   Published 2010-8-23   2010-8-20   Audi Hamilton Island Race Week     Published 2010-9-1   2010-8-19   International 8 Metre World Cup   Nothing to report Satisfactory. Accurate laying of gate marks difficult in depth of water.   Published 2010-9-1   2010-8-16   Micro Cupper Class World Championship     Published 2010-8-23   2010-8-16   29er North American   A very well run "no problem" regatta. The first two days of 30 knot winds kept Appendix P and Protests to zero.   Published 2010-8-23   2010-8-15   Hobie World Masters   The PC was presented with 5 different Protests. There were 4 scores of DSQ and one request for redress upheld under RRS 62.1 (b). All competitors presented their cases honestly and those DSQ took their disqaulifications without complaint Day 1 was light wind. Each other day produced mixed moderate wind. The RC did an excellent job and managed 14 races in 4 days. relationships between Jury and Race committee was excellent   Published 2010-8-23   2010-8-14   Int Mirror Class European Championships   One sailing instruction stated the time limit 90 min or 30 min after the first boat to finish, whichever was the earliest. This instruction was changed after three days of racing after many boats had been scored DNF. The RC could have used a signal to prepare the sailors for the next start earlier than the 5 min warning signal. Now many of the boats were not able to start on time at several starts. The black flag was used more than needed.   Published 2010-8-23   2010-8-14   2010 Youth Olympic Games   1.Appendix P and RRS 42 Sailing Instructions changed Appendix P so that the penalty for any yellow flag would be a two-turn-penalty. Therefore RRS P2.2 and P2.3 would never apply. The jury warned the team leaders in the first meeting that this change should by no means be considered as a possibility to abuse the rule, and that the jury would take action under RRS 2 or even 69 if a sailor abused of the same breach of rule 42 as a sailing technique after having been penalized for that. The conclusion of the jury after these two weeks is that this change of Appendix P protects those sailors who infrige rule 42, since the advantage a boat can gain until the judges penalize her is not lost by doing two turns, even if a boat is penalized more than once in the same race or in the same leg. We should look for other alternatives in order to protect the legal sailors and educate the infractors. Based on this experience the jury?s proposals are as follow: (a) To apply Appendix P as it is in the rule book.- Most of the youth classes, including Optimist, do not change appendix P in their official events; or (b) If Appendix P is to be ?relaxed?, our proposal is to leave P2.1 and to change P2.2 to apply for the second or any subsequent penalty. In this case P2.3 shouldn?t apply. 2. Doping Control Affecting Parties to a Hearing Being an Olympic Regatta sailors were subject to daily doping controls as in all the other sports. The Doping officials randomly chose a number of sailors to take samples. The Doping control had no connection with the rest of the regatta bodies and one hearing was affected by this lack of connection. A sailor was protested and called to a hearing while he was in the Doping process. There were no other sailors from the same country and his coach-Team leader was with him. The sailor had no possibility to know he had been called to a hearing and the jury did not know he was in the Doping control. The hearing was held without him and had to be reopened the following morning in order to give the sailor a fair opportunity to attend. In the future we need to find a way to assure that those sailors involved in the doping control are informed about protests where they are parties and that the jury has also this information so that hearings are scheduled accordingly. The race management team did a perfect job, providing the sailors with fair races despite the difficult conditions we had during the whole event.   Published 2010-9-1   2010-8-13   J24 World Championship   The J 24 class uses the scoring penalty system with 20%, avoiding penalty turns, even for breaches of RRS 31 or RRS 42. The int. jury, together with the class reps., put a wording into the SI, that described a jury initiated "yellow-flag penalty system" similar to App.P1, with necessary additions, without mentioning App.P. Due to the weather conditions no "yellow-flag penalty" by the jury was given. Boats had the opportunity to take an "After race scoring penalty" with 40%, not withstanding the provisions for RAF. Arbitration on part 2 issues was offered and used. It worked well. The race committee managed to sail all 10 races acc. to the NoR in difficult conditions, due to strong and shifty winds. Using VHF to inform the fleet about the intentions of the RC was very helpful and made boats understood what was going on.   Published 2010-8-30   2010-8-9   Skandia Sail For Gold   All documents used were the standard documents for the ISAF Sailing World Cup. A spreadsheet with discretionnary penalties, specially for equipment inspection breaches has been updated. One racing area (Laser+ Radial) was speciallay busy when some other racing areas were finishing much earlier. More flexibility in fleet assignments on differentracing areas should have saved time and avoided long waiting time on the water for Laser and Radial sailors.   Published 2010-8-24   2010-8-7   H-Boat World Championship   The regatta was held in wonderfull wiking waters with tricky currents and winds. The SI introduced the Whistle System (To encourage boats to take penalties afloat, jury members may blow a whistle when they believe to have seen any breach of a rule)which was very popular amongst the sailors. The possibility of arbitration with a 30% penalty was offered, but only one protest was handled with arbitration. The race officer had a difficult job, with a lot of wind shifts and waters with 50 to 100 metres depth, which was a challenge for the mark layers. Anyhow we had 10 (as scheduled) fair races.   Published 2010-8-23   2010-8-5   2010 Dragon Gold Cup     Published 2010-8-13   2010-8-3   X-41 Worlds   good and fair sailing   Published 2010-8-8   2010-8-2   2010 SL16 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP     Published 2010-8-7   2010-8-1   Copa del Rey   None None   Published 2010-8-8   2010-7-31   OPTIMIST AFRICAN CHAMPIONSHIPS     Published 2010-8-8   2010-7-29   2010 Flying Dutchman World Championship     Published 2010-8-8   2010-7-29   Festival Nautique de Rabat   Since the level of the majority of the competitors was very low the protest committee decided to help them to understand Appendix P by warning and explaining them what their infringement was. Action was taken when they repeated the infringement. Every morning during the coaches meeting all infringement of the previous day were discussed. This was very much appreciated by the coaches. This was the first event ever organised by this club. The performance of the RC was very good   Published 2010-8-7   2010-7-26   IOD 2010 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP     Published 2010-8-7   2010-7-26   MASTERS CUP470     Published 2010-8-7   2010-7-24   BORNEO INTERNATIONAL YACHTING CHALLENGE     Published 2010-8-7   2010-7-23   Lightning Youth World Championship   Two races per day were sailed, for a total of 6 races. All races, except Race 3, were started under RRS 30.1 (I Flag). Race 3 was started with Code Flag P as the preparatory signal. In Race 3, there were 5 boats identified as OCS. 3 returned to properly restart and 2 were scored OCS. There were no General Recalls during the series. Article XII numeral 1(a) of the Lightning Class Rules, applies specifically to World Youth Championships and states “Equally competitive certified Lightnings and equipment shall be provided by the Host Fleets”. Although this class rule was met by the OA of the event, the boats provided were at least 10 years old and in much need of proper maintenance. A great effort was made by the OA to bring their aging fleet up to speed, but boat breakages resulted in the jury awarding 4 redresses to competitors under RRS 62.1(a) throughout the event. It is important to note that in accordance with the SIs, redress on faulty equipment was not considered by the jury without a report from the official measurer of the event supporting each action. Boats and equipment were not measured because all boats were supplied by the OA, and to provide a fair boat assignment a system of draw boat rotation was established before each race. The only thing that was measured at the event was the competitor´s set of sails, which were not provided by the OA. Even though all sails measured in, three main sails did not have their national letters, but since RRS Appendix G1.1b says that it applies at all international events “except when the boats are provided to all competitors”, without making a distinction on whether sails are provided with the boat or not, it was assumed that national letters were not needed. At least one boat did not comply with Lightning Plans and Specifications rule number 75, which states that “the sail number that is assigned to the boat at the time of construction is the hull number”. The boat in question used sail number 1, which made it quite obvious that those sailors did not own boat hull number 1. However, since all boats were provided by the OA and since the OA did not have a list of hull numbers to match ownership of the sail numbers there was no way to determine how many sails complied with the rule. Sail number 1 was not protested during the event. There were two unfortunate incidents involving parents of the competitors during the event. In the first instance, the party to an OCS request for redress asked the jury if he could introduce video evidence. The jury agreed to view the evidence (RRS 63.6) only if it was readily available and if he could arrange for the viewing (RRS Appendix M7). When the jury asked the party to introduce the video evidence, the people in charge of the viewing were nowhere to be found and after approximately 5 minutes of waiting, the jury decided to continue with the hearing allowing the Race Committee´s witnesses to give testimony. Even though it is not customary, at the end of the hearing, just before the parties summed up their cases, the jury gave the sailor a second opportunity to produce the video evidence, but once again the people in charge of the viewing were not readily available. By then it was 20:00 hours and the jury still had three hearings left on the schedule. Had the jury waited any longer, it would not have been fair to the other sailors waiting to be heard. When all of the hearings were over at 22:00, the jury proceeded to the club restaurant to have dinner and was approached by an obviously irate parent shouting in front of other sailors that by not allowing the video evidence, the jury had done a disservice to the sailors. When the jury chairman tried to explain the procedures followed by the jury, the parent interrupted the explanation and continued to loudly complain that the jury should have taken more time to view the video evidence that supported the competitors case and that the jury´s actions had not given the competitor a fair and impartial hearing. No further action was taken on this case. The second incident involved another parent who questioned the jury´s decision on awarding redress. In this case, the sailor who requested redress, who was not related to the angry parent, had an equipment failure on the last leg of the course in Race 4 that did not allow him to finish the race. Under RRS 62.1(a), the jury granted redress according to RRS Appendix A10(b) giving him the average of Races 1, 2 & 3 so that both he and the rest of the fleet would know exactly in which position he stood before he started to sail the last 2 races on the final day of the regatta, and so that a strategy may be adopted by the whole fleet. Before giving the decision, his average of 5.33 was calculated and taken into consideration by the jury, proving to be consistent with the position the sailor had before the breakage. On the final day of the regatta he finished in 11th place in the first race, while in the last race of the day he again had equipment breakage and was awarded redress a second time, this time to be the average of all races in the regatta except for Races 4 and 6 where redress was granted. During our departure at the airport, this irate parent, loudly announced in front of other sailors, that the jury could not arbitrarily award average points for the races they liked and that the 11th position for Race 5 should have been included in the average for the first redress request. He stated that he would appeal the decision of the jury and informed the chief judge that “you will be taken care of when you come to (club name omitted)” referring to a forthcoming regatta where the chief judge had been invited. The jury was properly constituted as an international jury in accordance with RRS Appendix N, to which there is no appeal (RRS 70.5). Even if the jury had not been an international jury, neither the parent nor his son was a party to the hearing in question (RRS 70.1) and therefore would not have had the right to appeal. These types of conduct on the part of parents does not help race officials (Race Committees, Juries and Measurers) do their jobs properly, and also discredits and undermines the authority of an international jury. This event was a youth world championship and by witnessing this type of behavior, a young sailor may get the wrong idea of what is right and what is wrong and if they so chose to repeat the behavior at another event, that jury may be inclined to initiate a RRS 69 hearing.   Published 2010-8-15   2010-7-23   EUROPE CLASS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP   1. In order to avoid the problems we had had during the Open Week, with the coaches interfering inside the course, we defined in the SIs a very strict exclusion zone for the coaches. Most of them observed it and only two of them were called to the jury office and were seriously warned about the consequences of their behaviour. No further action was required. Since the situation was under control again, the last two days the exclusion zone was brought closer to the starting line so that the coaches could see the start from the leeward side of the line. 2. Measurement: A sailor presented two brand new sails to measurement. The measurement committee rejected both sails alleging that none of them complied with the class rules. According to the measurement committee the problem with one of the sails was just that the lower part of it was made of a different material than the rest of the sail. The class rules state that all the sail has to be made of the same material. The case was referred to the jury, who was asked to issue a permit so that the sailor could use that sail. The jury decided that, according to the rules, the jury cannot authorise equipment which is declared illegal by the measurement committee. The sailor presented a letter from the sail-maker stating that the sail in question had been made of the same material although he had use a piece of a different roll to make the lower part of the sail. Finally, the sailor managed to have the lower part of the sail re-made in such a way that the measurement committee declared it legal. The jury concluded that in a case like this judges were not competent and have not tools to decide if the material used was the same or not. Therefore, the jury had to rely on the opinion of the measurement authority, which in this case was the Class Chief Measurer and the event measurer. During the discussion of this case the jury felt that the word ?material? used in a number of class rules needs to be clarified. Does it refer to the ?cloth??; to the way the same ?cloth? is finished?; to a certain ?technical specification??, etc.   Published 2010-9-1   2010-7-23   Central american and Caribbean Games     Published 2010-8-7   2010-7-23   Travemuender Woche 2010     Published 2010-8-7   2010-7-22   6mJI European Championship   6mJI European Championship, Brunnen, Lake Luzern (Vierwaldstättersee), Switzerland: We had two measurement protests, lodged by the race committee on basis of the report from the official measurer of the event. On both measurement certificates have been errors in the rating calculation. Concerning one boat a recalculation proved that the the boat had a correct rating and the protest was dismissed. Concerning the other boat there was a mathematical error in calculating the waterline length. To clarify the matter we had to contact the RYA and the British measurer as relevant authorities. The investigation sowed that the figueres in the measurement certificate have been wrong. A new calculation with the correct fugueres sowed that the boat is a correct 6m Yacht. A new certificate was issued by the RYA. The Protest then was dismissed acc. rule 64.3(b).   Published 2010-8-7   2010-7-22   SEMAINE NAUTIQUE INTERNATIONAL DE MDIQ   The third day of racing, a competitor from the optimist class objected a Judge from the Panel, when were introduced. Asked for the reason, responded: "Don?t know". Therefore, his observation was refused. Mr. Hassan Luxor IJ from Egypt, requested from the Jury, a hearing to consider an infringement of Rules 2 or 69. During the hearing, the last day of racing, the competitor informed that he was too embarrased the previous day to answer. He explained that refused the Judge, because the previous Year, being Chairman of the Jury, observed him helping another competitor from Egypt to prepare a protest form against him. As a consequence, at his judgment, he lost the Regatta. The Judge informed that he did not remember anything about this words. There is no provision, in the Rule Book, nor ISAF Case Book, or Q&A booklet, or any other guidelines, further than being an interested party, to decide about objecting a member of the Jury. The Jury was satisfied that embarrasement of a joung sailor caused his initial silence, but gave full explanation later on. Giving his personal reasons in a good manner do not break any rule. The decision of the Jury was to dismiss the request of a penalty under RRS 2.   Published 2010-8-31   2010-7-21   6th Six Senses Phuket Race Week     Published 2010-8-7   2010-7-18   2010 Platu 25 World Championship   66 boats raced in one fleet competition. Further to Appendix P, judges displayed a red flag without identifying any boat if they observed a Part 2 or rule 31 infringement. A boat approaching the finishing line was protested by the jury under appendix P. The judges whistled, showed the yellow flag on the direction of the boat and hailed the number inverting the second with the third one, hailed “pumping” and then hailed the right number. The competitor got the message, crossed the finishing line, made a two turn penalty, came back and crossed the finishing line for a second time. The RC scored the boat at the place that she got when she crossed the line for the second time according to the definition of “finish”. The boat requested for redress asking to be scored at her first finish. The request was denied because the RC did not make any improper action or omission .   Published 2010-7-25   2010-7-18   Int Vaurien World Championship   re RRS 42, in light airs one pull of the boom was allowed to fold the top batten the correct way after a tack or gybe.Lack of wind with a large number of thunderstorms presented the race management with many challenges for the first 4 days. The majority of the completed races were on the last Friday and Saturday morning. In all the circumstances the OA managed very well and learnt very quickly when necessary.   Published 2010-7-26   2010-7-18   2010 LASER SB3 WC   International Jury had a doubt about two problems.. 1- Between the finish of a race and the start of the next one, a few minutes before the warning signal, a collision occurs between two boats intending to race, with serious damages to one of the boats, which has to abandon the next race. Question: Is she entitled to ask and receive a redress for the next race? If yes: On what basis the Jury may open a hearing to establish facts? 2- During a race where R.R. 44.2 apply, an incident occurs just after the start between boat A and boat B. A protested B and fly her red flag iaw 61.1(a). Later, on the same leg, an other incident occurs between A and C. A protested C. The red flag still flying on A. Question : Should A takes no further action with regard to the flag, or Should A lowers her red flag and hoists it again or Should A indicates to C that the red flag is flying?   Published 2010-7-27   2010-7-18   Rolex Ilhabela Sailing Week 2010   We had an interesting situation during a hearing. As standard procedure we allowed observers in our hearings, after read the rules for observer and signed the document saying they agree. During the hearing that a man stand up and come to speak with a protestor. When we try to stop, he said he is attorney of him, and by the Brazilian law nobody can stop him to help his client. Our first reaction was waiting him to see what happened, but the intention was stop the hearing. Because the validity, we did not open the hearing, but we are concern if was open how to procedure.   Published 2010-7-27   2010-7-17   2010 EUROPEAN LASER STANDARD YOUTH CHAMPIONSHIP and TROPHY   The Sailing Instructions changed Appendix P 2.1 to provide for an 8 point penalty where a competitors first breach of RRS 42 occurred prior to finishing and the penalty signalled after finishing, and also changed P3 so that a second or subsequent penalty was not cancelled in the event of a postponement, general recall, or abandonment and thus the competitor was not permitted to sail in any re-sailed race. (Also changing rule 36) The Jury decided as policy to protest any breaches of the rules in circumstances where it was difficult for other competitors to protest. One protest (for contact with a mark) resulted from this policy. Two of the eight protests were determined by arbitration. The Jury initiated a 69 hearing when a competitor changed his hull after having had a request to do so refused in writing by the regatta measurer. The competitor had been disqualified in the races for a breach of the relevant SI. The jury decided that his actions amounted to a gross misconduct and, taking account of a number of factors influencing the competitor, decided to warn the competitor pursuant to 69.1(b)(1). PRO Tomasz Chamera did an excellent job of changing the course when wind changed while fleets were racing.   Published 2010-8-7   2010-7-17   Laser Radial Youth World and European Championships     Published 2010-8-23   2010-7-17   OPEN WEEK EUROPE CLASS   Coaches were a problem since they inssisted on getting into the racing area. The jury decided to make the SIs stronger for the worlds.   Published 2010-9-1   2010-7-8   Volvo Youth Sailing ISAF World Championship   This year and additional event was added to ISAF Youth Worlds increasing the number of classes from 7 to 8. At the same time the number of ribs for the Jury remained unchanged - 4 only. It is suggested to increase that number to 5 ribs what would at the same time increased the number of Jury members from 8 to 10 which in turn gives the Jury the possibility to divide itself into two 5 persons properly constituted panels.   Published 2010-7-21   2010-7-7   IFDS Disabled Combined World Championships   One IJ had to leave earlier due to serious injury. The jury continued with five IJs and appointed one observer to assist on Appendix P. According to the NoR and the SI, Skud 18 rules of July 2008 were in force. Four boats were found to comply with the new 2010 class rules that were approved by the class three weeks before the event instead of those of 2008. Upon a request of IFDS and the agreement of all the competitors the SI were amended and the new 2010 Scud 18 rules applied. Five requests for redress was lodged due to serious mistakes of the RC during the starting procedures in some races. All of them were granted.   Published 2010-7-21   2010-7-6   2010 World Laser Radial Women’s Championship   The Sailing Instructions changed Appendix P 2.1 to provide for an 8 point penalty where a competitors first breach of RRS 42 occurred prior to finishing and the penalty signalled after finishing, and also changed P3 so that a second or subsequent penalty was not cancelled in the event of a postponement, general recall, or abandonment and thus the competitor was not permitted to sail in any re-sailed race. (Also changing rule 36) The Jury decided as policy to protest any breaches of the rules in circumstances where it was difficult for other competitors to protest. Weather conditions were difficult and only 6 of the scheduled 12 races were sailed.   Published 2010-7-21   2010-7-6   2010 World & European Laser Radial Men’s Championship   The Sailing Instructions changed Appendix P 2.1 to provide for an 8 point penalty where a competitors first breach of RRS 42 occurred prior to finishing and the penalty signalled after finishing, and also changed P3 so that a second or subsequent penalty was not cancelled in the event of a postponement, general recall, or abandonment and thus the competitor was not permitted to sail in any re-sailed race. (Also changing rule 36) The Jury decided as policy to protest any breaches of the rules in circumstances where it was difficult for other competitors to protest. One protest (for contact with a mark) resulted from this policy. Weather conditions were difficult and only 6 of the 12 scheduled races were sailed.   Published 2010-7-21   2010-7-5   ORC International European Championship   As result of measurement check one boat was found not complying with her measurement certificate. Non-compliance calculated as a difference in GPH was 0.24% what can be considered as minor according to the ORC Rating Rule 305.2(b). In accordance with ORC Rating Rules, no penalty applied, but a new certificate was issued based on the new measurement data and all races of the series were rescored using the new certificate data.   Published 2010-7-21   2010-7-3   Formula 18 World Championship   There were many requests of redress due to physical damages: big number of boats, boats are fast and hulls are light! most of the collisions are resulting in damages, often holes and water coming in! So many of theses requests were entitled for redress which made, from the beginning to the end of the event all the jury decisions crucial for the fairness of the competition for all the competitors, one of main goal of the jury was to keep consistency all along the event and the jury published a redress decision policy in accordance with the special format of the event.Good and friendly organization ashore and on the water. There were some problem to issue a final result due to a failure of the software used which was not able to treat correctly the ties from the format of the SI´s and the NoR.   Published 2010-7-12   2010-7-3   The Sportsboat European Championship   NilNil   Published 2010-7-21   2010-7-3   IODA Asian Championship 2010   We have 103 optimists from 20 countries on the water during July 3 to 11, 2010 at Royal Varuna Yacht Club, Pattaya, Thailand. There were mixed wind, light and moderate and one day the storm came just after all sailors came ashore. There were not many protests, some of them were Measurement protests from Measurer. No rule questions or any problem during the event. The Team racing was conducted with 16 teams participated.The race management went very well. Capt. Arshard, Course Rep. from IODA, did an excellent job with local PRO, Commander Oaychai, from Royal Thai Navy.   Published 2010-7-21   2010-7-3   Laser Europa Cup - Warnemünde   With 289 entries it was a great event. Looking at the number of protests and requests the jury had good time to deal with the few hearings we had.The Lasers were racing on two courses - Laser Standard and Laser Radial+Laser 4.7 The two Race Officers did a fine job at an event with very little wind.   Published 2010-7-27   2010-7-3   Warnemunder Week   None None   Published 2010-8-30   2010-7-3   IODA Asian Championship 2010     Published 2010-8-8   2010-7-2   IODA EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP   There was a request for score review from a competitor, based in the fact that she had turned back to the pre-start side of the line after the start after being over the line before start, and due to the use of a tracking system, she could prove that she had started properly 43 seconds after the start. When checking so, the Race Committee reinstated her in that race.   Published 2010-7-21   2010-7-2   Ultramarin X99 World Championship 2010     Published 2010-7-11   2010-7-1   Hanko Race Week One Design Series   NoneThe race management was excelent.   Published 2010-7-11   2010-7-1   2010 420 CLASS OPEN & LADIES WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP   A sailors boat was removed from its trolley – safely positioned within the boat park on the second row from the beach. It was found in the sea with some damage. The sailor requested redress for races in which its scores had been made significantly worse. Key issues were 1. Whether the organising authority was responsible. The Organising Authority accepted responsibility. 2. What the security processes were. The security processes included round the clock guards and video cameras. 3. Whether there was an omission of the Organising Authority which would enable redress. The international jury took the view that inability to protect the boat was an omission and that redress could be granted.   Published 2010-8-7   2010-6-29   29er European Championships   29er European Championships, L’Escala, ESP, 2010: IJ Report There were several points that came up at this event; 1. The local translation of the class rules, into Spanish, caused some confusion during the measurement process as the term ‘not smaller than’ used for the mainsheet blocks had been interpreted as ‘no bigger than’. A number of competitors were incorrectly told to replace their blocks for a different size though this situation was later corrected after a challenge from one competitors that was directed at the Protest Committee. 2. Several competitors arrived at the event with red country letter codes on their sails contrary to a recent class rule change (to black) made in May and published on the class association’s web site. The OA made arrangements with a local supplier to provide black coloured sail number material to ensure all competitors could comply with the new class rule (which brought the class rules in line with rule RRS Appendix G1.2 (a) first sentence ‘….. and of the same colour.’). During the event the Race Committee had considerable difficulty reading sail numbers as the nature of the clear sails prevented easy identification. The class association is considering making a further class rule change to bring the sail numbers in line with other similar classes by having a white background to the sail number. 3. The class rules make no changes to RRS 42. The experience of the event would suggest that the class association should consider two changes; one to allow for repeated fanning of the sail in order to clear reversed battens (all battens are luff to leach and the top two can get stuck in an inverted position when a boat tacks or gybes though this was rare), and one to allow greater freedom of helm movements during sculling. Making these changes would bring the class into line with the similar 49er class rules. 4. In order to aid consistency of decisions by on-the-water judging of RRS 42 ISAF should consider commissioning an RRS 42 Guide similar to those produced for other, mainly Olympic, classes. As the class rules stand at the moment this guide would be fairly straight forward and similar in content to the Laser Standard/Radial Class with some additional content covering the high-speed/high-angle nature of the class. In general, the class is one with a hull design that planes at very low hull speeds and there is hardly any displacement mode sailing. Once planing there seems little advantage is gained from pumping. Upwind the technique used by all competitors was for the crew to hold the mainsheet and balance the forces of the sail pressure and their body weight out on the trapeze (similar to the Contender class although the crew is not steering and does not have that feel in their feedback). To achieve this balance successfully, particularly in waves, it is required to make numerous changes to the sheet. This creates a situation were there is a fine line between movements of the mainsheet related to ‘trimming’ and those movements of the mainsail related to ‘fanning’ or ‘pumping’ the sail. A practiced eye is required from the judges to ensure that beaches of the rule are identified correctly. Downwind the genniker is relatively much larger than the mainsail and thus the whole balance of the boat is based on careful trimming of this sail by the crew. The helm is left to focus on finding the best path through and down the waves with the crew responding to small course changes by trimming the sail accordingly. Again a practiced eye is needed from the judge to identify movements are in phase with the waves, both background swell and wind induced waves. The hull, being relatively light and flat, does tend to slam somewhat, particularly if the helm and crew do not sail the boat over or down the wave. When the boat does slam then the whole rig and sails move and this movement could be interpreted as a pump (body or sail), so careful observations are needed to ensure that the body and sail movements are occurring after the rig movement rather than the reverse which would be likely to be a breach of the rule. The result of all this is that there seems little or no ‘technical’ (based on technique) related breeches of the rule. However, there is the potential for considerable advantage to be gained from ‘tactical’ breeches of the rule – particularly getting off the starting line or getting past a starboard tacker, or similar. So the starting needs to be well observed as well as the first top mark and other key pressure points of the race. 5. The ‘standard’ (RYA originated) Protest Form – used for many European based events - should be amended to include information of ‘group’ as often group/s had different Protest Time Limits. The ISAF Protest Form has a reference to ‘fleet’ that could easily be used for including information on ‘group’. 6. During the event a Coaches’ Forum was held which identified several useful improvements to the information available to organisations running events for the class. These included; a clear explanation of the rationale and working of the ‘group system’ and to include the major event guidelines as an addendum to the Class Rules (so that when this document is downloaded all the important information is provided in one document), as well as producing an example Racing Schedule to be attached to the major event guidelines. 7. There were several incidents were the right of way starboard tack boat gybed either ahead or to leeward of a port tack boat so close that when the gibing boat luffed to ‘pop’ the gennaker the keep clear boat infringed. This situation seems a peculiarity of high-angle sailing classes, like the 29er. The introduction of a ‘gybing rule’ to the main text of the rule book would be helpful, as it would give some protection to the non-gybing boat under RRS 15, with the added benefit of encouraging the gybing boat to gybe in more space thus reducing potential collision situations. Ewan McEwan, International Judge, 5 July, 2010 See above.   Published 2010-8-13   2010-6-26   IODA North American Championship, 2010   There was an interesting situation with a diabetic competitor requesting to use a camelback to carry orange juice for safety and health reasons. The ISAF Medical Committee answered the question and the competitor was advised that he was not allowed to use the camelback. This competitor was closely monitored by the safety staff on the water and completed the regatta without incident Sally Burnett and her IODA Team used the newly acquired IODA GPS Tracking system with units on all boats for all the races and this was broadcast over the Internet live. Many positive comments about the use of this new technology. The IODA Course Representative, Marina Psichogiou, worked closely with the PRO Pat Lymnburner and the two Race Committees to provide great racing for the sailors.   Published 2010-8-15   2010-6-26   A -CLASS Catamaran World Championship   Some of the races were sailed with very low wind: some sailor ask for redress for the infringement of Class Word Rules that required a minimum wind conditions (4 knots). The redress were denied due the fact that RC did act properly to ensure fair races. A sailing instruction allowed the jury to act under rule 67 without a hearing for an infringements of rule 42, but never applied.   Published 2010-7-6   2010-6-25   2010 Royal Bermuda Yacht Club Annual Race     Published 2010-7-6   2010-6-24   INTERNATIONAL CAPITOL OPTI WEEK 2010     Published 2010-6-29   2010-6-24   Kieler Woche 2010, International Classes   The SIs allowed for arbitration. Four of the five protests that were arbitrated before the hearing were settled.   Published 2010-8-7   2010-6-23   2010 Laser North American Championship     Published 2010-7-6   2010-6-23   Laser North American Championship   A few Laser 4.7 sailors filed for redress expressing their desire to sail on a separate racing course alleging that the Laser Full Rigs covered them when the boats met on the same leg. Redress was not granted.   Published 2010-8-13   2010-6-22   J80 EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP   Very good event. Not strong wind but enjoyable sailing. The work done by the Jury and RC was fair, and all the competitors were happy to have participated in the event.   Published 2010-6-27   2010-6-20   Squib British & Irish Nationals     Published 2010-6-29   2010-6-20   IFDS Blind Match Race World and International Championships   The Regatta is run uner ISAF rules and a dedicated appendix CBS generated by Roberto Armellin IJ in conjunction with ISAF rules committee. We welcomed two ISAF IJ-IU who had not officiated at regattas for Blind Sailors before. The Jury spent a lot of time discussing amongst themselves and with the Blind Sailors the application of the CBS rules expecially in regard to the role of on board observers. These officials do the minimum required to avoid collision and pass on signals. They are not there to help in any other way. Competitors´ boats and racing marks carry sound signals. Eye tests for competitors were carried out by a qualified professional and overseen by an IFDS official.A check list for on board observers as to what they can do and say, and at what stage was made available by the jury. e.g. rig adjsustments can only be made before the attention signal. One new umpire call was instigated. Observers for blind persons match racing now to be regarded as a seperate class off official as distinct from Judge, umpire or race officer. NEW CALL Re Appendix CBS para 5.8 When an umpire observes an action by an observer that breaks rule CBS 5.8 and there is a possibility that the competitors may either not have requested that action or may be unaware of that action by the observer, what should the call be? Answer: The umpire should lodge a red flag protest against the boat. At the hearing the PC/IJ shall have discretion as to a penalty or other kind of arrangement   Published 2010-7-21   2010-6-19   ORC Open Croation Championship   This was a well run event both on and off the waterThe race management was conventional and efficient.   Published 2010-7-6   2010-6-19   Kieler Woche 2010, Olympic Classes     Published 2010-8-7   2010-6-18   2010 Newport Bermuda Race     Published 2010-7-6   2010-6-18   Scotiabank International Optimist Regatta   Red, White, Blue fleet 8 races; Green fleet 18 Races   Published 2010-6-25   2010-6-15   European Championship X-35     Published 2010-6-25   2010-6-14   Zwitsserleven Zeilweek   The week started with Nacra Championship followed by Open Dutch Championship for cats. The Round Texel race was abandoned due to heavy weather.   Published 2010-7-6   2010-6-14   2010 Raceboard World Championship and 2010 Baltic Sea Cup -Techno 293 & RS:X   Well planned and managed event. Good race management   Published 2010-6-20   2010-6-13   Allianz Traunseewoche 2010   The PC had to call for two hearings under rule 69 due to allegations of gross breach of good manners and sportmanship. The PC gave a warning to both competitors under RRS 69.1(b)(1).   Published 2010-6-9   2010-6-7   2010 Etchells North American Chapionship   A well run event. There was some discussion about a class rule requiring re-weighing before 75% of the regatta was completed. The weigh in was scheduled for the morning following a social event, and several competitors lobbied for a change in the day or time. The class rules are specific and the second weigh in was held according to the schedule.During the event the Principle Race Officer fell and was injured requiring a replacement race officer - Wayne Coulon - who completed the regatta seamlessly.   Published 2010-6-24   2010-6-5   Access World Championships and Skud International Championship   The nature and use of the front seat in the Skud is causing controversy, particularly if the seat is fixed and not canting. At this event, there was a measurement protest concerning two issues to facilitate hiking (i) the raised height of the seat base in one particular boat, and (ii) the claim that there was not continuous contact of the buttocks with the seat as required by Class Rules. The protest was dismissed after receiving a report from the Event Equipment Inspector. However, the Skud Class Rules are difficult to interpret and enforce. Obviously, raising the seat height will aid keeping the buttocks on the seat whilst leaning the torso further to windward. Buttocks would also appear a confusing term, and may not translate precisely. The Class may consider revising a maximum height for the seat base relative to the crew disability, and rewording the requirement to maintain contact with it in a manner that is clear and interpretable.Excellent interaction with Race Management   Published 2010-6-20   2010-6-5   2010 Star European Championship   This was the first time the Star Class has applied it´s rule restricting contact with coach and support boats. Competitors may have no contact with coach and support boats from the time they leave the dock until racing is finished for the day. Competitors were generally happy with the rule; some coaches were not. During delays, some coaches followed their competitors as they tuned going upwind. The International Jury chased them away if the coach boat got close enough to have "contact" with the competitors. The coaches were very cooperative.PRO Carlo Rossi requested redress on behalf of one boat when he realized the boat was not OCS.   Published 2010-6-20   2010-6-4   J24 European championship     Published 2010-6-20   2010-6-3   Austrian Tempest Championship 2010     Published 2010-6-9   2010-5-31   Sawadee Ko Samui International Regatta   Nothing out of ordinaryWell run by a competent committee   Published 2010-8-7   2010-5-28   56th Regata Dei Tre Golfi   The event was part of the Settimana dei Tre Golfi. Boats were entitled to race under both, ORC and IRC systems. The leading boat was scored DNF because she failed to cross correctly the finishing line.   Published 2010-6-2   2010-5-27   Extreme Sailing Series, Europe - Sete, FRA   There was considerable discussion on the practical application of RRS 19 as many of the close-quarters situations at this event included areas where there were obstructions and continuing obstructions. Many of the competitors where not aware that hails at obstructions (other than under RRS 20.1) are not a requirement. The nature of asymmetric, close-quarters, short-course, spectator-friendly racing puts pressures on the rules that other, more conventional, racing does not. To ensure that the rules are both upheld and used to the benefit of the event the following policy was considered and discussed as a possible suggestion for adoption by the competitors as a possible solution to situations involving obstructions: "If, when sailing a downwind course, safety requires a boat to make a significant change of course she may hail for room to do so. The hailed boat/s shall either; (a) provide such room as required by making a significant change of course, or (b) hail "Come to me". Hails shall be accompanied with arms signals from the helm. Should the hailing boat´s hail prove unnecessary then the hailed boat may protest the hail as being invalid." This proved a very useful focal-point for discussion around all the aspects of obstructions. The nature of this event requires very fast turn-around time between races (6 or more a day all in the afternoon).   Published 2010-5-30   2010-5-27   Extreme 40 Sailing series 2010, Séte   Addendum Q was used. appr. 40 calls was made on the water   Published 2010-6-29   2010-5-25   ROLEX CAPRI SAILING WEEK 2010   One boat Retired After Finishing being informed by the Jury, at the end of a race, that she was going to be protested due to an infringement of RRS fundamental 2 (deliberate infringement).Race Management was excellent   Published 2010-6-3   2010-5-25   XIV Island Games 2010   On the morning of second day I called the meeting with coaches as there was intention to lodge protests only because of change results and it was initiated by coaches. The aim of meeting was kindly to ask coaches not to push the young competitors to lodge protests for incidents never happen. We didn"t want to see that kind of bad and unfair example to young sailors. End of the meeting some coaches were very thankful for this meeting as we kept the game fair.   Published 2010-6-2   2010-5-23   Finn Master World Championship   Reasonably quiet championship with much improved rule observation when compared to last year. Care was taken to have two jury boats with each fleet and this made a big difference. One warning given over some bad behaviour on slipway between two competitors with a satisfactory conclusion.Very difficult conditions, very light in early part of week and approaching maximum wind speed on the last two days. Some excellent decisions on the placement and timing of the races, by the race officer led to a very successful event and much praise by the competitors.   Published 2010-5-30   2010-5-22   Sicily Grand Prix   RS-X, Techno 293 and Raceboards competing in the nice scenario of Mondello Gulf.Medium and light winds conditions not allowing surfing reduced the races to the number of 4 in two days.   Published 2010-5-27   2010-5-22   Young European sailing   fair sailing   Published 2010-5-27   2010-5-22   Spring Cup - Austrian Laser Championship   Relationship with Race Committee was very good.   Published 2010-6-9   2010-5-21   Delta Lloyd North Sea Regatta   Cooperation with the race committee worked well.   Published 2010-6-9   2010-5-20   Campionato Nazionale del Tirreno 2010   The event was part of the Settimana dei Tre Golfi. Boats were entitled to race under both, ORC and IRC systems. During measurement control, a boat was found carrying on board more sails than permitted, and not having the safety equipment required. The boat was scored DSQ in four races.   Published 2010-5-30   2010-5-19   RS-X and Techno 293 Team Racing European Championship   SIs included a version of D Appendix modified in order to include B Appendix changes in the RRS. Teams were directly invited by the OA without appointment or approval from their MNAs. In RS-X class the NoR stated teams shall be formed of two males and one female: some teams did not meet this requirement and were racing with team members from a different nation to meet it. All this with the approval of the OA and subject to exclusion from the title in case of win. The Italian team was firstly entered with two males and one Polish female then the entry was updated changing the Polish female with an Italian one who sailed just a couple of races and was scored DNS in all the other races. The NoR also stated competitors shall be members of a relevant National/International Class Association and that National Class Associations (NCA) shall be in good standing, but it was not possible for the Race Committee to check entry documents not made available from the OA. In any case nobody objected about teams composition during the races and the event was sailed with good success till the completion of two round robins, semi finals and finals: POL won in RS-X Class and FRA won in Techno 293 Class. ITA finished fourth in RS-X and second in Techno. After the completion of the event the Jury was informed that complaints about the composition of the Italian team had been lodged to the MNA Disciplinary Board from one competitor whose entry had not been accepted by the OA and from the Secretariat of RS-X Italian Class Association complaining that the Italian female competitor was missing National Class Association member-ship. In any case the above mentioned complaints were never brought to the attention of the Jury within its jurisdiction, so it was not possible to take any action to discuss them. To the Jury questioning on the matter the OA replied that to that extent they had a special per-mission from the International Class for the event, but it was not possible for the Jury to check it. All the races were umpired using 2 ribs and 2 Umpires. Races were started both from the shore and from a RC vessel. Two round robins, semi finals and finals were completed   Published 2010-5-27   2010-5-15   Normandy Channel Race   The penalties for this class 40 event were all to be by adding time, at the discretion of the jury. The class was consulted as to what was in accordance with the spirit of the class, and the jury decided (but did not publish) what the minimum penalties might be before any protest arose. As it happened, there were no valid protests, but , had there been, the finishing times were close enough to have been affected by a penalty in several cases, despite a race lenght of a week.   Published 2010-6-3   2010-5-15   San Isidro Labrador - Copa Centenario   In the last day of the regatta, on the last race, at the Optimist principiants * under 12* course, the race was cancelled by the race officer chairman by radio, due to a bad weather front coming that never reached the courses. The RO main boat at this course in particular was unable to advise finish boat by radio and phone to abandon the race and the one didn t arose the N flag, some sailors who finished later requested redress, the Jury denied the one under 32.1 b & c and 62.   Published 2010-6-6   2010-5-13   2010 AUDI Melges 32 European Championship     Published 2010-5-18   2010-5-12   OLYMPIC GARDA EUROLYMP 2010   The Jury organization of the event was made according to Palma and Hyerès World Cup events (information to competitors, Jury policy in general, redress policy, Jury positioning during the medal race, etc).There was a very good cooperation between the PRO and the Jury Chairman. For the RS.X there was no medal race because of an insufficient number of entries (8 M and 3 F)   Published 2010-5-25   2010-5-7   South East European Open Optimist Cup 2010   One request for redress by competitor who was identified 55’ before the start not complying with RRS 30.1 claiming that he rounded R.C. boat 35’ later (20’ prior to the start). None from the RC spotted or recorded this event, so redress was not given. RC performed on the water safety C.R. on the spot checks, after the finish. Five boats identified to fail to comply with C.R. (paddle missing, whistle missing, security lines attaching centreboard was missing etc) were protested by RC and four were penalized by additional penalty points at IJ discretion, as provided by SI. One boat proved she had complied with C.R. and the RC protest was dismissed.Very good relationship between RC and International Jury both ashore and afloat. Special attention was given to Optimist sailor’s safety issues within Optimist CR. O.A. provided three fully equipped and good quality ribs which made RRS 42 judging easy. O.A. asked for photocopies of valid boat driving licences to photocopy them for local water authorities.   Published 2010-6-2   2010-5-5   International Sailing Regatta Port Bourgas   Due to bad weather conditions not all scheduled races were sailed, but those sailed were enough to validate the event.   Published 2010-5-18   2010-4-24   Antigua Sailing Week     Published 2010-8-13   2010-4-22   SOF 2010 (World Cup Event)     Published 2010-5-18   2010-4-15   Laser Europa Cup 2010 - Laser Youth Grand Prix 2010   On the first day a competitor was protested by another one for infringing RRS10 after an incident with contact between the boats not followed by an exoneration, she did not turn up at the valid hearing properly announced on the official notice board and the Jury disqualified her for infringing RRS 10 and 2 after proceeding in absence as per RRS 63.3(b). On the second day her coach was complaining about the DNE and on the third day she lodged a request of redress on the subject. The Jury called an hearing but she did not turn up again and the request was dismissed.The RC managed to sail three races per each class in very difficult weather conditions due to rain and lack of wind.   Published 2010-4-20   2010-4-13   International 470 Spring Cup     Published 2010-4-20   2010-4-8   Laser Eurocup     Published 2010-4-14   2010-4-6   Byte CII World Championship   Despite changing weather conditions and a pure lack of wind for 2 days, the level of sailing was very high and we found that the competitors were racing fair play, Appendix P was reduced to P2.1 , 10 penalties were given on the water during the 3 days of racing but no penalized competitor got a second one.Excellent working relationships between Jury, Race Management, Organizer and coaches.   Published 2010-4-19   2010-4-1   FW Portuguese National Championship & Iberian Cup   One right–of-way board had a contact with a give-way board and was pushed to be OCS on start of race 7. She did not come back to start properly and lodged request for redress. Redress was denied because she did not start according with definition. Some competitors think they can request for redress in this situation. Good race management. The class have a minimum of wind speed (for planning conditions) not always easy to achieve along Portimão beach. On the four racing days have been sailed 11 of the 12 scheduled races.   Published 2010-4-10   2010-3-31   WORLD LASER 4.7 YOUTH CHAMPIONSHIP 2010   They had 36 races during 6 racing days in 10-25 knots of wind. The fleet was divided in to: Boys under 18, Girls under 18 and Mixed under 16. Everything went well. The NOR and SI were well written.On-the-water job was done professionally by Jeff Martin from ILCA with the assistance from local race officers and volunteers.   Published 2010-4-15   2010-3-26   International Rolex Regatta     Published 2010-3-30   2010-3-25   IODA South American Championship     Published 2010-8-23   2010-3-22   JUEGOS SUDAMERICANOS 2010   THE EVENT WAS ORIGINALLY A 6 DAYS EVENT, THEN REDUCED TO A 3 DAYS EVENT. THIS RISKED THE POSSIBILITY OF LOSING THE DISCARD (TO BE ACTIVATED FROM RACE 7). THE SCHEDULE WAS 3 RACES PER DAY, SO THE DISCARD BECAME ACTUALLY THE FIRST RACE OF THE LAST DAY. IN THE CASE OF THE RSX BOARDS, AS THERE WERE NO PLANNING CONDITIONS, ONLY 2 RACES A DAY WERE RACED (CLASS POLICY), SO NO DISCARD WAS AVAILABLE. THIS MADE SOME TEAMS TO BE VERY HAPPY AND OTHERS TO BE VERY UNHAPPY, AS THE CASE OF THE COMPETITOR THAT WON 5 OF THE 6 RACES, AND 1 OCS THAT COULDN´T DISCARD AND SO WAS LATER AWARDED THE SILVER MEDAL. THERE WAS NOT AN AGREEMENT BEFORE THE EVENT (BETWEEN THE TEAMS) TO REDUCE THE NUMBER OF RACES NEEDED TO ACTIVATE THE DISCARD, SO THE RC DIDN´T CHANGE IT. I SUPPORTED THEIR DECISION   Published 2010-3-29   2010-3-20   14th Asian Sailing Championship   The rules knowledge is quite good among sailors and coaches since most of them are high level of Nationals sailors/coaches. The redresses were one OCS and others that was quite clear from Race Committee. Protest procedure followed closely with Olympic procedures. The Sailing Instruction and Notice of Race were well prepared. This event was the test event for 2010 Asian Games that will be held at the same venue in November this year.Race Management were done mostly by IRO and RO from nearby countries in Asia with the Chinese team as assistances. There were some confusion in communication at the beginning because of language but problems were solved quickly. The relationship among organizer, race management and the juries was good. No special issue arose during the event   Published 2010-4-5   2010-3-19   Puerto Rico Heiniken International Regatta     Published 2010-3-29   2010-3-8   2010 Bacardi Cup & Miami Sailing Week   The event combined the 83rd edition of the Star Class Bacardi Cup with an expanded format beginning two days after the Star Event began of the Viper North American Championships and a three day regatta for the Melges 20, Melges 24 and J 24 Classes. There were two seperate Jury venues for protests and three seperate race areas.Arbitration was also incorporated for the Viper Class. The race management was excellent for the entire week, which included a difficult day of unstable weather and a challenging windy final day after a cold frontal passage.   Published 2010-3-20   2010-3-7   Laser Asia Pacific & Laser Asia Paicfic Masters Championships   NilRaces were well managed. Excellent working relationship between Jury and Race Management.   Published 2010-3-15   2010-3-4   Miami Grand Prix 2010   The low number of hearings at this regatta may be due to the fact that a boat had the opportunity to use a One-Turn Penalty instead of a Two-Turn Penalty when she may have broken a rule of Part 2. There were a number of incidents on the race course.   Published 2010-3-12   2010-3-3   Alexander the Great Cup   No especial comments Good work from RC under very challenging weather conditions   Published 2010-3-13   2010-2-27   COPA LAGO YPACARAI 2010   This was only a 2 member protest committee, and of course, this was not an international Jury. As a Committee is "a person or group of persons elected or appointed to perform some service or function, as to investigate, report on, or act upon a particular matter", so, even if I could do it alone, I wanted to invite some local to join me. There is not, so far, a National Judge scheme in Paraguay, so there are not NJ´s as well. The other member of the Jury,is an experienced snipe sailor and helped me a lot on the logistics of my trip. This, I was told, was the most important event to be held in Paraguay this year. I have to add that the venue was spectacular. I think it is very rare to see a club like this, and there are people working there, trying to do things better, and I wanted to help them.   Published 2010-3-8   2010-2-13   International Carnival Regatta   Due to difficult weather conditions (rain, strong winds and big waves) only six races were sailed in each of the eleven classes in two out of the three scheduled racing days. Some support boats were not properly identified with the club or national letters.   Published 2010-3-12   2010-2-4   Primo Cup Trophée Credit Suisse   A RRS 2 protest was lodged by the IJ against a boat touching a mark, being shouted at from another boat, aknowledging her fault and not taking a penalty. The protested party did not show up at the scheduled hearing and was scored DNE after proceeding in absence. Later on the party unsuccessfully tried twice to reopen the hearinh.Nothing to be reported.   Published 2010-3-12   2010-2-4   SINGAPORE AIRLINES SAIL AUCKLAND 2010   NilCompetant race management and good relationship with jury   Published 2010-2-16   2010-2-1   2010 BRAZILIAN YOUTH TRIALS   No problens, a very special event for youth. We had wind in Brasília!!! Very nice job. All team worked together and did a great championship for the youth brazilian sailors.   Published 2010-2-10   2010-1-30   2010 OK DINGHY WORLD   The rules knowledge among sailors is adequate. This fleet is friendly fleet. Sailing Instructions and NOR are very good.The Race Officer is very good and knows what he is doing. The juries and Race officer have good relationship   Published 2010-2-26   2010-1-29   Port Louis Grenada Sailing Festival   NoneR/C was challenged by the occasional drifting or disappearance of deep water marks   Published 2010-2-4   2010-1-25   YOG Qualifier, Central and South America   NOR 11.1 PENALTY SYSTEM: The provisions of RRS. Apendix P2.2 AND 2.3 shall not apply. All protest in the race area against a competitor, lodged under provision of P1, shall be covered by the provisions of P2.1 SI 14.1 PENALTY SYSTEM RRS 44.1 is amended so that he two turns penalty is replaced by a one turn penalty including a tack and a gybe when a boat may have broken a rule of part 2 while racing. SI 14.2 Appendix P will apply but only as prescribed in NOR 11.1 or as changed by SI 14.1Race Committee up to world class standards   Published 2010-2-4   2010-1-24   2010 BRAZILIAN NATIONAL SNIPE CHAMPIONSHIP   We have some questions about the correct age for masters on Snipe Class. The SCIRA doens´t have a specific rule aboute that. Only talks on two specific events (Worlds and Europeans). An suggestions is create a rule on SCIRE with the correct ages to do entries on the officials championships of the class.We have some requests for reddres, but nothing in special. The Snipe Class needs to be more specific about the correct ages to make entries on the officials championships.   Published 2010-2-10   2010-1-24   2010 Rolex Miami OCR   Judges were split on the new definition of party: does this new definition allow a jury to make a boat that may be affected by a redress decision a party to the hearing, when the jury is not considering redress for this boat? Requirement for the three highest-ranked boats to wear coloured bibs: one team requested to be exempted from this requirement because of an existing contract with a team sponsor. There were difficulties in some hearings to get in due time the race committee staff involved in the situation in question. Too many support boats were not properly identified with national letters. The requirement for coach boats to stay clear of the starting line and its extensions was not popular but we believe this should be apllied in all other Sailing World Cup regattas. The course designation based on the number of beats to windward to be sailed should be a standard. When three fleets are racing simultaneously on a trapezoid course the race committee decided to start them on an Outer-Inner-Inner sequence and this caused delays.   Published 2010-1-31   2010-1-18   KEY WEST 2010   On the first day of racing the Melges 32 class queried the sailing instructions as the alternative penalties defined in them did not conform with their class rules. The Jury ruled that the sailing instructions applied, as rule 86.1 prevents class rules from changing rule 44. Rule 86.2 did not apply. The sailing instructions were subsequently changed for races after day 1 for Melges 24 and 32 classes to meet the class preferences The class claimed that their rules, effective Jan 10th, have been approved by ISAF although they are not available on the ISAF website. Clarification is sought for future events.Excellent race management and communication with the Jury   Published 2010-1-26   2010-1-17   2010 BRAZILIAN NATIONAL LASER CHAMPIONSHIP   No problems.Great job.   Published 2010-1-25   2010-1-9   2010 BRAZILIAN NATIONAL OPTIMIST CHAMPIONSHIP   This was a very nice championship, without problems, but we called three coaches and warned for bad behavior on the water (discussions in front of the cildren). Was not so heavy, but important because they are teaching children. Grate work, because was a lot of tide (+or- 2.1mts). This tide on the race area for a trapezoid course for 155 optimist sailors was a great challenge.   Published 2010-2-10   2010-1-7   International Contender Class World Championship 2010     Published 2010-1-17   2010-1-4   17thTrofeo Marcello Campobasso     Published 2010-1-6   2010-1-2   2010 SPLASH World Championship   A protest was lodged querying the size of competitors top baton. Advice was sort from the Class Measurer who confirmed that the baton did not comply. The Jury requested the Class Measurer check all top batons before racing commenced the next day, which was successfully achieved, identifying another 5 non conforming batons, without delaying racing. Arbitration was successfully used during the regatta with all 6 boat on boat protests being settled before reaching the Jury. The jury decided that as all competitors were under 19 years of age to initially warn them for rule 42 infringements unless it was a blatant infringement. Seven competitors were warned and behaved themselves well after the warning. No rule 42 penalties were given during the championship, the fleet behaving extremely well. The on water race management was conducted at a very high level. There was a minor problem with a mark that had moved and was replaced, resulting in average points being granted to one competitor. The high standard of racing was marred by a large number of broken rudder blades on the chartered boats that had been provided by the class association.   Published 2010-1-14   2010-1-1   Soling World Champiomship 2010,   The RC under the guidance of PRO Carlos Odecio did a perfect and professional job. In the heat of nearly 40° he did not let wait the competitors for the start longer than necessary. Always good starting lines. The courses were layed perfectly and he reacted to each wind shift promptly so that we had even 4 course changes in some races. No request of redress against the RC. In the practice race a Soling capsized and sunk (depth 3,5 m). The Jury boat helped to recover the sunken yacht . IJ Luis Leal de Faria (POR) proved outstanding good seamanship until late in the night to help to recover the boat which was finally possible to do.   Published 2010-2-18   2010-1-1   Snipe North American Championship   NoneNone   Published 2010-8-7   2009-12-21   Euromed Malta Championships   A team manager who was allowed to observe a hearing interrupted and was asked not advertise his presence in the room. The second interruption was a strong insinuation that the IJ was not acting properly. He was firmly asked to apologise and to leave the room.The two NJ (MLT) rotated during hearings. The RRS 42 work was done using 1 good rib with two jury members each day. All Jury members served afloat.   Published 2010-2-26   2009-12-12   ISAF World Sailing Cup 2010/Sail Melbourne   Although the latest version of Addendum Q was slow in being received this did not raise any problems. OTW there were no boat on boat protests and only one scoring query during the 2 minute B Flag period. Most classes sailed through the finish line and proceeded to the marina rather than waiting to check the finishing positions and whether there were any protests. Of the 3 fleet racing jury boats 2 had low consoles and bench seating which were not good for 42 judging due to the difficulty in standing up. The additional 3 medal race boats also included boats with low consoles and bench seats Good rapport and cooperation with the Race Management. The medal races used a combination of W/L, W/LS and trapezoid outer/inner loops. Comments from competitors was that they would have preferred W/L and only one class racing at a time.   Published 2009-12-28   2009-12-12   IODA ASIAN CHAMPIONSHIPS 2009     Published 2009-12-21   2009-12-10   UAE NATIONAL DAY REGATTA     Published 2009-12-13   2009-12-4   Sail Sydney 2009   On the last day of the regatta a Request for Redress was lodged by a competitor alleging that he had been scored a finish place in race 1 but this had subsequently been changed to an OCS. The competitor did not turn up at the Hearing and it proceeded in his absence. Documentation provided clearly demonstrated that the competitor had never been shown in the results as anything but OCS and the request for redress was denied. The Jury considered this may have been a breach of Rule 69 and as the request was on the last day have now lodged a Report to the MNA under Rule 69.2(a). Racing was divided between morning and afternoon fleets which worked well generally but occassionally the morning fleet lost a race if the wind was light and there were delays in commencing racing. Overall a good relationship with the Race officials but redress was granted on, what the course race officer described as "sloppy" race management. A competitor has been noted as OCS at the start of a race and the Individual Recall flag was raised. Due to an error by the race committee when telephoning the results ashore they forgot to state the competitor was OCS and this error was compounded in the Results sheet. It was not until 2 days later that the error was changed on the published results which were not qualified as provisional. The competitor was not advised of this error by the Race Management but saw his results had changed and requested redress. Based on the Race Officer´s comments redress was granted.   Published 2009-12-28   2009-12-3   1st Gulf Council Countries Sailing Regatta   One National Judge, did not come due to last moment illness. No qualified replacement was available . The IJ remained properly constituted according to Appendix N1.5   Published 2009-12-7   2009-12-3   St. Nicholas 2009 Regatta     Published 2009-12-10   2009-12-3   2009 Lightning South American Championship   Only four protests were lodged, an arbitration system was considered for this event, none of the protestees accepted an arbitration.A RC boat was not available, a local fisherman boat was used as the RC boat for the regatta with great success. The local fisherman provided all the information to the PRO, as tides, predominat winds, local currents, etc., since there was no internet at the site of the regatta. The PRO received assistance from the chairman of the PC during the regatta.   Published 2009-12-10   2009-11-29   Phuket King’s Cup Regatta 2009     Published 2009-12-10   2009-11-26   Sail Brisbane 2009   The event was a ISAF Grade 2 event. The four protest lodged were boat on boat protests. There were no requests for redress. There were no Allegation of Gross Misconduct (Rule 69) hearings although the Protest Committee did have a talk to one of the children following a minor altercation. There were no problems with either the Notice of Race or the Sailing Instructions, the regatta was well conducted by all concerned. The numbers participating in the regatta have grown each year over several years. There were three courses. The Northern course had the Laser Fullrig, Radials, 4.7,and Finns, the course was well managed. The Southern Course had a mixture of classes including childrens classes´. The race officer was not local and on the first day there some minor problems. For the rest of the regatta the course was well managed. The Eastern course only operated for the last two days with three classes, Contenders, SB3 and Hobie 16´s. The course was well managed. Strong winds on the final day caused most classes to lose at least one race.   Published 2009-12-3   2009-11-24   Byte CII Asian Championships 2009 and Youth Olympics Games Continent Qualifer     Published 2009-12-10   2009-11-8   TRANSAT JACQUES VABRE 2009   Rule 41 is impossible to manage since the competitors are fully equiped for outside communication, for their safety. They accept non-routing conditions by signing a form.There were no case to study and we could not test the jury behavior with members remaining in their own country, only connected by phone and computer.   Published 2009-12-21   2009-10-30   CHINA CUP     Published 2009-11-3   2009-10-26   Melges 24 World Championship   The Melges 24 class sailing instruction template includes two attachments. One is about coach/support boats and the other about arbitration/mediation. Both include new rules and interpretation difficulties. Our belief is that when we introduce new rules, especially in the sailing instructions, they should be clear and easy to interpret. An initiative from ISAF to develop standard sailing instructions to cover these issues would be appreciated. We need consistency between classes and countries when using these types of rules. The template also includes an on water system for giving penalties for breaking class rules (hiking and bowsprit) and RRS part 2 rules. Some penalties were given during the event, but many of the sailors did not do the appropriate penalty and were therefore DSQed. This system has to be simplified for the sailors to be able to make an instant decision on what action to do after a flag has been shown to them. In situations when the jury was unable to decide which boat broke a rule, we displayed U-flags and the class also recommends the jury to display green flags when no rule is broken. The U-flag was used once or twice and the green flag we never took afloat. The U-flag is too broad a brush. In a complex mark rounding (lots of boats), the flag is raised (but not pointed at specific boats) to indicate a rules infringement. Then there is another incident and up goes the flag again. Now there are any number of boats thinking they may be at fault and it becomes very difficult for the jury boat to keep track of who is doing what. The system could be simplified. The sailors made several mistakes not knowing what the flags meant and what penalty to do. The alternative would be to use one flag (red) and one penalty (two turns). Appendix P also applied. In the future it would need to be changed, but the sailors would have a better chance to do the appropriate penalty.   Published 2009-11-2   2009-10-24   J24 European Championship   Due to difficult weather conditions (rain and light shifty winds) only six races were sailed in two out of the four scheduled racing days. The scoring penalty was used except for Appendix P. Appendix P applied with the following changes: Rule P2.3 did not apply and rule P2.2was changed so that it would apply to any penalty after the first one.   Published 2009-11-2   2009-10-12   30th. Rolex Middle Sea Race   Although Giovanni Jannucci, a member of the IJ was unavoidably absent owing to sudden indisposition. the I. J remained properly constituted with three I.J´s from different countries and one NJ. The Jury called a hearing in conformity with RRS 69.1 against Aurora ITA 333 for an alleged infringement of the SI´s and the IRC Rule which prohibits carrying two mainsails on board. At the hearing the representative of Aurora denied this allegation. The Jury then established beyond any shadow of doubt that they had in fact not only carried but used two mainsails while racing. The Jury DSQ´d the boat in the race under RRS 69.1 (b)2. and decided that the representative´s blatant lying constituted a breach of Gross Misconduct and therefore reported the matter to the relevant MNA´s.   Published 2009-11-3   2009-10-11   2009 IFDS Sailing World Championships   A great organised Disabled World Championship due to the circumstances. Every day posponements (no wind) and during the races a lot of windshifts.   Published 2009-10-26   2009-10-11   Barcolana     Published 2009-10-11   2009-10-6   Int Flying Fifteen World Championship   There were several instances where protest flags were claimed to have been flown correctly, but later examination of photos taken by the jury showed that the flags were not conspicuously displayed. Often the flag was flown low on the stay, or obscured by the crew´s torso, or not stretched on the hoist. In all cases the display of the flag was not seen by the protestee, but claimed to have been conspicuously displayed by the protester. The protest, in these instances, was disallowed, if an image was available from the incident supporting the lack of conspicuous display. Without the photographs, the protestor´s evidence would probably have been accepted and the protest would have proceeded. This was one of the first world championships conducted under the new rule 18.1 and not all of the competitors knew of the new zone definition or were able to adjust their tactics to the larger zone. The larger zone seemed to change the timing when spinnakers were being gybed or lowered. Once a yacht entered the zone the crew would usually start to take down their spinnaker further from the mark. Often a boat clear astern with their spinnaker still up would then surge into a late inside overlapped position with no right to mark-room.   Published 2009-10-14   2009-10-6   TP 52 World Championship   A Q&A will be submitted referring some concerns about the application of RRS 20.   Published 2009-10-18   2009-10-5   EUROPEAN DRAGON CHAMPIONSHIP   A start-finish line in the middle of the winward/downwind leg which generated seventeen protests by the RC leading to unpopular decision by the jury (5% penalty)   Published 2009-10-11   2009-9-27   2009 Platu 25 World Championship   Class Constitution 18.1 Racing says: At any event the Class may be sailing in one fleet, even if there are more than 60 boats entered for the race. The Jury suggested splitting the fleet of 92 boats in two with qualifying series and finals mainly for safety reasons. There were a lot of discussions during the class meeting and finally the majority agreed to split the fleet and the class approved it.   Published 2009-10-26   2009-9-26   LES VOILES DE SAINT TROPEZ     Published 2009-10-11   2009-9-25   U.S. NATIONAL OFFSHORE CHAMPIONSHIP   None   Published 2009-10-11   2009-9-23   Pacific Mini Games   AX P to P2.2.Medal race with all competitors in each class much appreciated by all participants.   Published 2009-10-18   2009-9-20   Audi Melges 32 World Championship 2009   There was an incident at the windward mark with one boat coming in on port and having contact with a boat on starboard. They happened to be first and second at the time. The incident was seen by a jury boat and evidence was given by a judge that the boat on starboard had slightly overstood and had not had to sail above close hauled to avoid the boat on port. The evidence was based on the fact that her jib did not lift. Some of the jury did not accept that a jib had to lift for a boat to sail above close hauled. The boat on port was disqualified for a variety of reasons   Published 2009-10-18   2009-9-20   Regates Royales   Dragon : 62 Entries / 12 Countries Classics (7 series) : 79 Entries / 16 Countries   Published 2009-10-1   2009-9-18   Open Dutch Championship for Olympic and Para Olympic Classes 2009   During the event a clinic for rule 42 was given by Eric Mehlbaum, to give trainees (national judges (in spe))on the water experience. This also solved the problem to have 3 juryboats on the water with only 5 judges. The clinic also gave the judges the possibility to sharpen their minds on rule 42.   Published 2009-9-30   2009-9-17   2009 Tasar World Championship   National letters and numbers in some boats were a different colour. Appendix G1.2(a)was changed by the SIs to allow these boats to race.Japan sailmaker of Tasar should be notified the need to comply with Appendix G. The Jury posted full sumary of protest decisions. Competior feedback to these was positive. It was thought to be a good learning exercise and promoted discusion around the boat park. 24 protests were heard with one rule 2 DNE. the competitor was OCS but made contact with 2 boats at the startline and took no penalty turns. The SIs gave the jury only 20 minutes to post hearing notices. The standard 30 minutes would be preferred. The RC did an excellent job and good communication between the groups. All 12 races were completed with many course changes. Venue was excellent and close to shore.   Published 2009-9-30   2009-9-15   Etchells North American Chapionship   Protest Arbitration was provided for in the Sailing Instructions for rules of Part 2 or RRS 31.   Published 2009-9-21   2009-9-13   International 8 metre World Championchip     Published 2009-10-1   2009-9-13   Charente Maritime Bahia mini transat 6.5   The full jury met at La Rochelle before the start. The organising authority paid for three judges to go to the first stop, in Funchal. Another judge participated in hearings via a Skype video conference link. The fifth was not available to be contacted on Skype. The organising authority paid for three judges to go to Bahia. One of the NJs remaining in Europe was not available at the time of some of the hearings, and so there was a video Skype conference link to the other NJ in Europe. Both NJs were available for some of the hearings, and there was a Skype conference link (sound only). There was one rule 69.1(a) hearing resulting in a warning.   Published 2009-11-2   2009-9-12   Lightning World Championship   very quiet event from the jury perspective...incredibly sprotsmanlike class   Published 2009-10-14   2009-9-11   The Buddy Melges Challenge 2009 - Match Race Grade 2   None.Competitors ask the RC to use a long start line at light winds using the upper limit of the guidelines (30 seconds). The turning radio of the Elliott 6 meter is very wide at low speeds and it can be difficult during the dial up. There is a discussion with the AO regarding what would be best in case of light wind on the last day: not finish the round robin and do more final races or finishing it and do less final races. The decision taken was finishing the round robin.   Published 2009-9-15   2009-9-10   Rolex Big Boat Series / IRC US Championship   An arbitration system titled Mediation in an Appendix to the Sailing Instructions using a penalty of 30% instead of the more customary 40% penalty was employed for this event. A total of 10 protests were filed that were subject to Part 2 infringement allegation. From these, 8 of the protests were successfully mediated and did not require resolution at a hearing by the International Jury. The conclusion drawn from this experience with a reduced penalty was that in fleets with smaller classes, a 10% lesser penalty was seen to be more readily acceptable to the competitors that were perceived in Arbitration to have infringed a Part 2 Rule and given the option of accepting a penalty in lieu of going to a protest hearing.   Published 2009-10-18   2009-9-9   Trofeo Caja Mediterraneo Region de Murcia   The appointment of the jury by the organizing authority was challenged by the MNA. It raised the question whether rule 91(b) gives the MNA the right to approve whether or not there is an international jury or whether it gives them the right to approve the individual members that make up the jury. In the interests of the event, the member of the jury that was not approved acted as an observer, but this was an unsatisfactory situation. For safety reasons rule 41 should be amended to allow a man overboard to be recovered from the water by the first available means without it being considered outside assistance. In most cases it is safer for both the boat and the crew member for a rescue boat to retrieve a crew member from the water. The obligation in RRS47.2 on the boat to recover their crew member before continuing would still be in force but it would be safer for the crew member to wait in a vessel while he awaits their return.   Published 2009-10-18   2009-9-9   Championnat d´Europe Access - Coupe des 4 nations     Published 2009-9-21   2009-9-8   6 M Gold Cup   Class Rules (Championship "Deed of Gift") require competitors to sail with a crew of 5, and to list on a waiver a maximum of 6 crew available. Any changes in crew must be approved by the Jury. Sailing instructions provided that any crew substitutions "by any person not named on the list" may only occur after written approval of the Jury. The Jury adopted the latter interpretation for this regatta, and the Class representative agreed with this interpretation. Only one such substitution occured for medical reasons.Early weather for the regatta was not favourable, but the Race Officer was able to catch up and finish the regatta losing only one race for the Classic Class.   Published 2009-9-13   2009-9-5   CENTOMIGLIA   Comments by Jury chairman Fabio Furlani IJ/ITA: In the early hours of the day there was a very strong wind and we had to postpone the start by 1 hour; at 9.30am the wind was still very intense but together with the PRO and the Organising Comitee I decided to give the start. The race continued quiet well until the last boat arrived. Comments by Miroslav Bjelajac IJ/CRO: One protest - withdrawn.Same sequence like Trofeo Gorla regatta. Efficient way to start large number of cruiser boats. Long pre-start line with sectors, divided by separator boats. Starting line was between mast at shore and staff with flag on stern of R.C. powerboat fast sailing in front of pre-start line and whole fleet, once starting signal was given. Crossing prestart-line or beeing in wrong sector (fleet) three minutes prior to start infringes SI and boat is penalized with additional 2% or 5% of actual sailed time.   Published 2009-9-21   2009-9-3   International Dragon World Championship   The Dragon class wants to use code flag U for incidents where judges on the water see a rule infringement. Appendix P was used, only one penalty given.All scheduled races sailed, only practice race was cancelled due to heavy winds.   Published 2009-9-15