Please select your home edition
Edition
Allen Dynamic 40 Leaderboard

America's Cup- Dutch take no further action against de Ridder

by Richard Gladwell on 26 Oct 2013
America’s Cup Day 8 San Francisco. Oracle Team USA tacks on Leg 3 chasing Emirates Team New Zealand Richard Gladwell www.photosport.co.nz

Official sources have now confirmed that the Dutch national sailing authority has decided not to take any further action against Dirk de Ridder (NED) following an adverse report by the International Jury during the 34th America's Cup.

The Appeals body (the Zeilraad) established by the de Ridder's national authority to hear such matters, is reported as stating in its conclusion: 'further considered that being excluded from further participation in any role in the 34 America’s Cup for a gross breach of a rule and of good sportsmanship, combined with the world wide publicity on TV/radio, Internet and newspapers, is by itself, a severe penalty.

'Having considered all evidence the Zeilraad finds that it is not appropriate to impose an additional penalty.

'Decision: After this investigation the Zeilraad finds that it is not appropriate to conduct a hearing and decides that no further action will be taken in this matter by the Dutch MNA.'

The Zeilraad stated in its Findings that it only had limited knowledge of all the evidence presented AC Jury. It would appear that the full transcripts of the evidence were not passed across from the International Jury to the Dutch national authority, who were then faced with the option of re-conducting the San Francisco Hearing and gathering their own evidence, or not proceeding through a lack of evidence. They appear to have chosen that latter course of action.

The full report of the Zeilraad has now been officially released and can be read by clicking here

The no-Hearing arose from reports by the International Jury to the two National Authorities of three competitors (the other two were New Zealanders covered by Yachting NZ). The reports stemmed from the boat tampering investigation involving AC45's during four of the America's Cup World Series Regattas, and the subsequent actions of sailors involved during the International Jury Hearings.

Dirk de Ridder (wing trimmer on Oracle Team USA) was excluded from the Americas's Cup Regatta. A shore crew member was also suspended fro the whole regatta, and another sailing crew member was suspended from racing for four race days.

The decision of the Zeilraad, being a Decision to take no further action, cannot be generally be reported to the International Sailing Federation. The prescriptions of Rule 69 under the America's Cup Racing Rules of Sailing are different in this regard from the RRS that the rest of the sailing world operates under, where a decision not to take action would still have to be reported to the International Sailing Federation who then has the option of further action or to accept the National Authorities Decision.

However if the International Jury for the AC has reported directly to the ISAF as well as the Dutch and New Zealand national authorities, then the matter can be revisited by the International Sailing Federation and a final decision made in the matter.
Rooster Wetsuit RangeJeanneau Sun Odyssey 350Pantaenius 2022 - SAIL & POWER 1 FOOTER AUS

Related Articles

Savvy Navvy signs Australian and NZ distributor
As the company continues to make digital navigation solutions more accessible for boaters Marine technology company Savvy Navvy has signed Australia-based Paddy Wester as its exclusive Australian and New Zealand distributor, as the company continues to make digital navigation solutions more accessible for boaters.
Posted today at 9:50 am
Lexus of Tasmania Maria Island Race Preview
A quality fleet will set off on the 180-mile race on Friday The 77th Lexus of Tasmania Maria Island Race starts from Castray Esplanade at 19:00 on Friday evening, hosted by The Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania.
Posted today at 9:19 am
Magenta project: Pathways of three top sailors
The Magenta Project connects with Sam Davies, Pip Hare, and Mariana Lobato as they share their paths This weekend six women, a record, are starting in the Vendee Globe, which is one of the few sailing events offering open racing between men and women. Although the Vendee has not been won by a woman, the last two round the world races have.
Posted today at 7:57 am
SLAM ETNZ Deck Hoody - Now just €50
Price Drop: SLAM ETNZ Deck Hoody: Was €120 | Now €50 - Order yours today! Price Drop: SLAM ETNZ Deck Hoody: WAS €120 | NOW €50 - Order yours today! Ideal Xmas gift for America's Cup fans! Get your souvenir hoody on the America's Cup champion!
Posted today at 4:04 am
NZ Match Racing Nationals start next Wednesday
16 top competitors will contest the NZ Match Racing Na in what promises to be an electrifying event The New Zealand Match Racing Championship (NZMRC) will take place from November 14th to 17th at the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, bringing together 16 top competitors in what promises to be an electrifying event.
Posted today at 2:11 am
36th SCIBS already set to be a showstopper
The much anticipated 36th edition of the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show The much anticipated 36th edition of the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show (SCIBS) is on track to showcase the most spectacular vessels and marine products available in Australia during one of the boating world's most popular weeks.
Posted today at 12:24 am
Nacra 17 Europeans at Sferracavallo Day 1
First two races completed in light winds The first day of the Nacra 17 European Championship has officially begun at the Circolo Velico Sferracavallo! In light winds of 9 knots, gradually decreasing to 7-8 knots, the fleet of 18 boats and 36 sailors completed two races.
Posted on 6 Nov
Conrad Colman: From the Rockies to the Vendée
Competing with a boat which is entirely fossil fuel free Conrad Colman grew up in New Zealand, went to High School and College in America, and then immediately went to Europe having fallen in love with the Vendée Globe.
Posted on 6 Nov
Outline of rules for Vendée Globe 2028 published
The organization has formalized the broad outlines of its new regulations The organization has formalized the broad outlines of its new regulations for the next edition of the Vendée Globe. The fundamental DNA of the race is preserved - a solo round-the-world race, non-stop and without assistance.
Posted on 6 Nov
IRC 2025 Rule text published
Following ratification at the IRC International Congress Following ratification at the IRC International Congress, the IRC Rating Technical Committee has published the IRC 2025 Rule text, now available on the IRC website.
Posted on 6 Nov