Second Rally Targets Clubhouse’s Overall Honors Leader
The Rolex Sydney Hobart Race is once again in the spotlight due to a protest concerning the overall honors leader, BNC – my::NET / LEON. This protest, initiated by the yacht Min River, will be heard by the International Jury on December 31, 2025, at 09:00 AEDT. The incident centers on how BNC used its sails during the race, particularly whether a spinnaker was improperly sheeted using a whisker pole.
Details of the Protest
The initial complaint, lodged by Min River, claims that BNC violated Sailing Rule 55.3(a), which governs how sails can be sheathed. In response to these allegations, BNC’s crew made an official declaration as the hearing commenced, prompting the Race Committee to submit a second protest.
Hearing Procedures
The International Jury will assess both complaints during a hearing which has been delayed by 30 minutes. The jury is led by Chairman David Tillett from Australia, supported by an international panel including Jamie Sutherland from New Zealand and Philippe Mazard from France.
Key Elements in Dispute
- Protester: Min River (AUS)
- Protested yacht: BNC – my::NET / LEON (FRA)
- Date of hearing: December 31, 2025
- Location: Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania, Hobart
- Chairman of the International Jury: David Tillett (AUS)
Understanding the Rule
Sailing Rule 55.3 outlines the requirements for sheeting sails. It specifies that no sail should be sheathed through any device that applies outward pressure on a clew. Additionally, while headsail clews may be joined to a whisker pole, spinnakers must not be set in conjunction with this device.
Jury’s Responsibilities
The International Jury must determine whether the sail in question qualifies as a spinnaker or a jib, which will dictate the ruling. They will verify measurements to evaluate the appropriateness of BNC’s sail setup. This decision could significantly affect BNC’s final standings and overall honors in the race.
As the final stages of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Race approach, all eyes will be on how this dispute unfolds and its potential implications for the teams involved.
