ETNZ Responds to Jury Decision

July 10, 2013 – Emirates Team New Zealand is pleased the jury has maintained the sanctity of the AC72 Class Rule in ruling that it can be changed only by unanimous consent of the competitors and the Regatta Director.

Emirates Team New Zealand has completed two races in San Francisco with all 37 safety recommendations made by the Regatta Director on May 22.

We believe the jury’s decision does not affect the substance of the safety plan submitted with the application to the US Coast Guard for a Marine Event Permit or the excellent work \the Regatta Director undertook with the Review Committee. Most of the 37 safety recommendations have become rules by amendments to the Protocol and the Racing Rules of sailing.

Emirates Team New Zealand will fully support the Regatta Director in his efforts to run a safe regatta and to this end would welcome the opportunity to meet with the US Coast Guard and the Regatta Director to clarify any adjustments which may need to be made to the safety plan.

Emirates Team New Zealand has been fully compliant with all 37 safety recommendations in its two races to date in San Francisco. Luna Rossa will be compliant when it races today and Oracle has said that it will be ready to race on September 7 no matter what the rules are.

Artemis Racing is the only team to have said it cannot comply with both the Class Rule and the safety recommendations.

We have proposed that when Artemis is ready to race they be given dispensation from the Class Rule regarding rudder elevators so long as they otherwise comply with the Class Rule and the safety recommendation. This would require the consent of the other competitors and we would strongly urge this be given.

Artemis Racing is making a tremendous effort under difficult circumstances to get back on the race track and deserve support to help them achieve this.
To summarise:
– The jury’s decision leaves the sanctity of the class rule intact.
– Emirates Team New Zealand and Luna Rossa are fully compliant with the Class Rule and the 37 safety recommendations and Oracle Team USA says they will be compliant on September 7 whatever the rules may be.
– We are proposing a dispensation from the Class Rule to allow Artemis Racing to compete. – Grant Dalton, managing director, Emirates Team New Zealand

Full Decision Here