The Ben Ainslie event in Australia touched a nerve in me. I am not entirely surprised it happened. It was a matter of when, given the direction the world is moving. I could never have predicted when or where, just that it seemed due.
I have had some interaction with Sunset & Vine, the film company (English, by the way) who had chartered the boat. They had wanted to have my input on the America’s Cup. I have never met any of them personally.
I had occasion to speak to an English International Judge today, who had no sympathy for ben at all. Stating that Ben could have filed for redress under rule 69.2 ( I hope I have that right) I have just read that the press boats and helicopters covering the event had been exempted. If true, Ben had no possibility for redress.
He still faces review by the RYA and ISAF and further penalties could be imposed. Personally, I think Ben has been punished, and that the press boats should be severely warned.
The sport of sailing should still be for the sailors on the water.
Stephen-
Your English judge friend was completely wrong. The rules specifically said that there could be no redress for actions of the press boats and aircraft.
A relative of a friend of a friend (got that?) was among the Irish women competing in the Radial Laser class. In the final race, a press helicopter blew her from first place to sixth, but she won a place on her Olympic team anyway. I think this immunity for the press is insane.
I remember racing at Tufts in college (not with you unfortunately) and an official boat was going to intersect with us – there was a lot of wind and we ended up in the water and out of the race. The person in charge of the official boat initially said there was no problem and we had to suck it up. Later he said perhaps he caused the problem. We were out of the race. Very unfortunate and not at all necessary. Boats that are not part of the race need to stay clear except perhaps in an emergency. Bill