Holcim-PRB will receive redress after the collision with Allagrande Mapei Racing at the beginning of Leg 1 of The Ocean Race Europe.
Blustery conditions and lots of canvas up led to a few roundups just after the start, including one by Holcim-PRB which turned them into Allagrande Mapei Racing as they attempted to pass Holcim-PRB to windward. Both boats were damaged in the incident and forced to retire from the leg, though all crewmembers were reported safe and accounted for. The collision drew scrutiny from fans, with some questioning the safety of racing the IMOCA 60s in such close quarters.
An international jury has decided that Holcim-PRB will be awarded a score for the missed Leg 1 points equal to its average finishing position for the remaining legs of the race. The website’s scoreboard will update with their most recent average after each leg.
“We’re pleased with the jury decision, which will allow us to score points for Leg 1 that fairly reflect the performance of the team over the course of the full race,” said Alan Roberts, the crew member who represented Holcim-PRB in the hearing. “The whole process has been hard on ourselves and Allagrande Mapei Racing too I’m sure, and we’re pleased to be getting out of the jury room and back on the water.”
Allagrande Mapei Racing was not awarded any redress but was also not penalized for the collision beyond the points lost for being unable to compete.
“We respect their ruling, even if it’s not the outcome we were hoping for. That’s part of our sport, and we accept it,” said Ambrogio Beccaria, the skipper of Allagrande Mapei Racing. “This was a tough situation for both teams. Our energy is now directed toward the race itself. There are still three important legs ahead on the way to Montenegro.”
The jury hearing took place during the stopover in Cartagena, Spain with World Sailing qualified International Jurors (IJ) and International Umpires (IU): Andrés Pérez, IJ & IU, ESP, Chairman; Miguel Allen, IJ & IU POR; Chris Atkins, IJ & IU, GBR; Corinne Aulnette, IJ FRA; María Toriijo, IJ & IU ESP; Sofia Truchanowicz, IJ & IU, POL.
At press time, Biotherm is leading the fleet with two leg victories and the maximum scoring gate points for 25 points over all. They are followed by Team Paprec Arkéa (18), Malizia (13), Holcim-PRB (11), Canada Ocean Racing-Be Water Positive (8), Allagrande Mapei Racing (7), and Team Amaala (5). The fleet will begin Leg 3 tomorrow, heading from Cartagena to Nice, France.
To follow The Ocean Race Europe, click here.
