We reported extensively on ‘keelgate’ at the J/70 Worlds in Italy over the summer, and while there were some irregularities in the way it was handled, we praised the Classes – both the International and Italian J/70 Classes – for getting ahead of the story and addressing the average sailors’ concerns with ‘cheater’ boats.
The International Class has taken the Italian recommendations to heart and suspended a whole grip of Italian and Russian sailors from the incident. It’s the first time we’ve seen a mass ban in recent memory. One thing that is really interesting: Neither the guy who did all the modifications in Lake Garda nor the pros who advised the owners gets any penalty whatsoever. Should they? Answer here.
The International J/70 Class Association (IJ70CA) Executive Committee (EC) has unanimously agreed to the J/70 Class membership suspensions listed below”…”The J/70 EC has found that the individuals below have been 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.
-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 EC 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 EC did not suspend his membership, he needs to be more diligent that his boat is in compliance with the Rules at all timesIn addition to the suspensions, the following boats have had their Manufacturers Declarations withdrawn and are not permitted to sail in J/70 events until the boats are inspected and corrected by the Licensed Manufacturer.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
