Oracle straffas med 2 poäng och $$$

Jag vet inte hur mycket ni har följt skandalen där Oracle fifflade med sin AC45. Man hade ju stoppat bly i sin “kingpost” (den kolfiberkonstruktion som håller stagen på undersidan av kattan). I regeln finns ett område men man skall sätta kompensationsvikterna, men Oracle hade bestämt sig för att det var bättre att stoppa i det innan kontrollmätningen.

Detta upptäcktes när man gick igenom alla AC45 inför Red Bull Youth America’s Cup. När man kollade lite extra så visade det sig också att man hade andra mått på denna detalj.

Pinsamt så klart. Och man utgick omedelbart från AC45-serien.

Med alla höjdare på Oracle hävdade så klart att man inte visste något.

Eftersom detta är ett regelbrott mot stadgarna för America’s Cup och dessutom kan vara ett regel 69-fall (osportsligt uppträdande) eftersom det är medvetet fusk, så blev det här så klart en stor sak.

Nu har juryn tittat på fallet och Oracle straffas på följande sätt.

• Pursuant to Protocol Article 15.4(d)(iv), OTUSA shall be penalised one point for each of the first two races of the Match in which they would otherwise score a point.
• OTUSA are ordered pursuant to Protocol Articles 15.4(d)(ii) and 15.3(b) to pay a fine of US$250,000. Such fine is to be paid to the following charities:
  (a) US$125,000 to the Andrew Simpson Sailing Foundation which charity has been established following the death of Andrew (Bart) Simpson on an AC72 in San Francisco in May 2013, for the purpose of assisting young people to get involved in sailing through mentoring and support.
  (b) US$125,000 payable to a section 501(c)(3) charitable organisation selected by the Mayor of San Francisco to provide support to at-risk youth in the San Francisco Bay area.
• Bryce Ruthenberg is excluded from further participation in any role in the 34th America’s Cup. RRSAC rule 69.1(c) requires the Jury to inform his National Authority (Australian Yachting Federation) and the International Sailing Federation, which bodies may impose further penalties; however, in view of his full, frank and early admissions, the Jury will recommend that no further action be taken.
• Andrew Walker is excluded from further participation in any role in the 34th America’s Cup. RRSAC rule 69.1(c) requires the Jury to inform his National Authority (Yachting New Zealand) and the International Sailing Federation, which bodies may impose further penalties.
• Kyle Langford. In light of his age and inexperience in an America’s Cup environment, the fact that he had no involvement in the work done and his truthfulness during the hearing, together with his sincere efforts to acquaint himself with the Class Rules since the matter came to light, Kyle Langford is warned to use his best endeavours not to be involved with any activity that may be in breach of a rule in the future. The Jury is not required to make a report to any federation.
• Matt Mitchell is excluded from sailing on a Yacht competing in the Match for the 34th America’s Cup until 4 races have been completed. RRSAC Rule 69.1(c) requires the Jury to inform his National Authority (Yachting New Zealand) and the International Sailing Federation, which bodies may impose further penalties; however, the Jury will recommend that no further action be taken.
• Dirk de Ridder is excluded from further participation in any role in the 34th America’s Cup. RRSAC Rule 69.1(c) requires the Jury to inform his National Authority (Koninklijk Nederlands Watersport Verbond) and the International Sailing Federation, which bodies may impose further penalties.

Vill man läsa besluten, så finns de här.

• JURY NOTICE JN115R – Allegation of Gross Misconduct
• JURY NOTICE JN116 – Allegation of Gross Misconduct
• JURY NOTICE JN117 – Protocol Article 60 and Oracle Team USA – Protecting the Reputation of the America’s Cup

Frågan är om detta är kännbart, eller bara smisk på fingrarna? En båt lär ju vara snabbare i AC-finalen, och då lär 2 påäng inte göra någon skillnad. Och pengarna är fickpengar för Oracle-teamet och Larry Ellison.