Investigation leads to Class Suspensions

It has been a challenge for the J/70 Class to harness its massive global growth, and as the participants became more competitive, measurement rules came under scrutiny. People were pushing the limits, and the limits weren’t pushing back.

But the class said enough was enough at the 2017 J/70 World Championship, and initiated a thorough measurement process which rejected seven boats due to modifications to their keels beyond what was permitted in the rules.

“The Class Regulations leave no room for interpretation,” said the class statement at the event. “No modification is allowed to J/70s other than minor repairs of imperfections and blemishes. Those who were found with irregularities at the time of measurement clearly violated the Class Rules by giving themselves an illegal advantage over the fleet.”

The Class also indicated at the time that further disciplinary actions may be forthcoming. That was in September, and now four months later the Class has suspended membership to the individuals that were “involved, to different degrees, in the ‘Intentional violation of the Class Rules’ and/or ‘unsportsmanlike conduct’ at the 2017 World Championship and/or some extended period prior to the World Championship.”

Actions:

• Carlo Alberini: owner of hull #949, Class membership is suspended for 12 (twelve) months commencing on 1 December 2017
• Claudio Dutto: owner of hull #922, has been warned that although the Executive Committee did not suspend his membership, he needs to be more diligent that his boat is in compliance with the Rules at all times
• Mauro Mocchegiani: owner of hull #1088, Class membership is suspended for 4 (four) months commencing on 1 December 2017
• Alessandro Molla: owner of hull #570, Class membership is suspended for 4 (four) months commencing on 1 December 2017
• Achille Onorato: owner of hull #1269, Class membership is suspended for 4 (four) months commencing on 1 December 2017
• Alessio Querin: former owner of hull #922, Class membership is suspended for 24 (twenty four) months commencing on 1 December 2017
• Marco Salvi: owner of hull #910, Class membership is suspended for 12 (twelve) months commencing on 1 December 2017
• Alexey Semenov: owner of hull #667, has been warned that although the Executive Committee did not suspend his membership, he needs to be more diligent that his boat is in compliance with the Rules at all times

In addition to the suspensions, the following boats have had their Manufacturers Declarations withdrawn and are not permitted to sail in J/70 events until the boats are inspected and corrected by the Licensed Manufacturer.

Hull/sail #949 owned by Carlo Alberini
Hull/sail #1269 owned by Achille Onorato
Hull/sail #570 owned by Alessandro Molla
Hull/sail #910 owned by Marco Salvi
Hull/sail #667 owned by Alexey Semenov