This week at the International Optimist South American Champs 3 US Sailors received DSQ’s by the international jury from a protest by the technical committee, based on their actions and that of the USODA Team Head Coach, Fernando “Happy” Alegre, breaking multiple SI and NOR rules.
Coach Happy Alegre has been the USODA Head National Team Coach and leads many of the international regattas.
USODA has started to take some action against the coach:
Letter From USODA:
“Many of you are aware of the unfortunate events that transpired at SAMs this week involving Coach Happy. For those of you who are not, the findings of the international jury at the SAMs regatta are posted online. Yesterday, USODA removed Happy as coach for the USA SAMs team based on the findings of the SAMs international jury and he has been replaced by Pepe Bettini.
I am writing to inform all of the USNT families that Happy is also suspended as the USNT coach effective immediately. Happy has been informed of his suspension from USNT. Decisions regarding Happy’s future with USNT will be made after the USODA Executive Committee disciplinary hearing which will be held per our by laws and code of conduct.
We are all disappointed with the situation especially with the positive feedback from most everyone on the USNT reboot this season. But the integrity of the sport and adherence to the code of conduct that governs our sailors and coaches must come first. We are committed to the continued success of the USNT and we will adapt to any possible future changes to ensure the reboot continues on its positive trajectory. We are looking forward to some trainings over the summer, which will be announced soon, to prepare for the summer team regattas.
I will communicate with you regarding the USNT as the Executive Committee completes its disciplinary hearing. We all appreciate your patience as USODA works through the disciplinary processes we have established to handle such situations.” Read on.
