Q&A ON THE CURRENT SITUATION WITH TEAM CEO, MARK TOWILL

Updated: Monday, June 26

What happened on the water?

The five IMOCAs were racing in the inshore section of the Leg 7 start, and 17 minutes into the first lap, 11th Hour Racing Team was sailing on starboard tack between Marks 3 & 4. GUYOT environnement – Team Europe approached on port tack and was required to give way and, despite calls from our Skipper, Charlie Enright, didn’t alter course and collided into the side of our 60-foot race boat. No one on either boat was injured, but both vessels had extensive damage, requiring them to return back to The Hague.

Due to the damage to our boat, we were forced to retire from Leg 7 and have put in a Request for Redress to The Ocean Race.

What is the redress process?

Within 24 hours of the start of Leg 7, which was on Thursday, June 15 at 1815, we submitted our Request for Redress to The Ocean Race, under Rule 62.1(b).

Our submission has gone to the International Jury and the redress hearing will be on June 29, at 1000 CEST, in Genoa, Italy.

What happens during a redress hearing?

Typically, when the hearing is in person, the members of the International Jury gather in a room to hear the evidence presented. They then privately convene to decide a ruling.

From the World Sailing Judges Manual: An International Jury is composed of experienced sailors with excellent knowledge of the Racing Rules of Sailing and extensive protest committee experience. Its membership is made up of people from different Member National Authorities, the majority of whom are World Sailing certified International Judges.

How quickly is a ruling given?

There is no set minimum or maximum time limit, but typically rulings are given within a few hours of the hearing.

Where can I find out the result of the hearing?

This will be posted on the Official Notice Board for The Ocean Race 2022-23 and normally is also released by the interested parties through their communications department.