Case closed from Big Boat Series protest

After a Rule 69 protest was upheld at the 2022 Rolex Big Boat Series in the J/105 Class, the results for Tim Russell’s Ne*Ne were changed, dropping the team from third to last when all scores were converted to DNE, which is a disqualification that is not excludable.

Following the decision by St. Francis Yacht Club Protest Committee, the incident was referred to the J/105 Class Association which voted to suspend the Class membership of Russell for the 2023 calendar year, a decision which precludes him from acting as a Owner/Driver for one design racing.

The StFYC also submitted their findings to US Sailing for further consideration, after which the US Sailing Review Board found that no further action was necessary. According to Review Board Chair Jim Walsh, the standards the organization follows are provided under Section 15.03 of the US Sailing Regulations.

“The Review Board carefully considers each matter that comes before it, including actions taken by a protest committee and other governing bodies, before determining whether further action is appropriate,” noted Walsh.