Australian Sailing statement on the measurement and rating of boats competing in the 2022 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race

President of Australian Sailing, Alistair Murray AM recently addressed the sailing community regarding the measurement and issuing of rating certificates for boats competing in the 2022 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race

This is what he had to say;

“I am writing to respond to the speculation concerning the measurement and issuing of rating certificates for boats competing in the 2022 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race.

Recently, comments have been attributed to me regarding the measurement certificate issued for Celestial, and the compliance by its skipper, Sam Haynes, with the measurement and rating rules which do not represent my views or those of Australian Sailing.

As President of Australian Sailing and on behalf of the Australian Sailing Board, I want to apologise to Sam Haynes for making any comments which may have contributed to the continued unfair and unjustified targeting of Sam and the speculation about the measurement rating certificate issued for Celestial.

Australian Sailing confirms that Celestial and Sam complied with all rules requirements to enter the race. Celestial was accurately measured before the race, the boat was issued with a valid measurement certificate by Australian Sailing and raced under that certificate. Celestial and Sam did not breach the IRC Rules concerning how many certificates a boat could hold at any time.

The Royal Ocean Racing Club is the Rule Authority under IRC. Australian Sailing would like to acknowledge the important roles it plays in establishment of the IRC rules, their application and certification of racing boats competing in the 2022 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race.

Australian Sailing maintains the highest standards of integrity in issuing IRC measurement certificates, and we value our important relationship with the RORC.

Australian Sailing acknowledges and fully supports the work of our ratings staff members and appointed measurers in ensuring the correct application of the IRC rules to the 2022 entrants.

We also commend the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia as the Organising Authority of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race for their world-class organisation of this iconic blue water yacht race. Their Race Committee and experienced staff ensured the highest standards of integrity and governance were upheld in organising and running the race.

All at Australian Sailing would like to congratulate Sam and the team on Celestial for their victory in the 2022 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race”.