The 11th Hour Racing Team won this year’s Ocean Race. The international jury had previously granted the Americans’ request for redress and subsequently awarded them four points.
One man’s joy is another man’s sorrow: Holcim – PRB finished the world’s most important team regatta in second place. A better placement on the last stage, which the Swiss had finished third in Malizia’s victory, would not have changed that. According to the jury’s decision, the gap is three points. Even if they were tied, 11th Hour would have been ahead because they are well ahead in the in-port race standings. According to the organizers, the judges’ decision to award 11th Hour four points was based on “strong results in the race” up to the accident.
“There were incredible ups, but also downs that hit us. They were all worth it when we hear this news today.”
— 11th Hour skipper Charlie Enright
“I’m totally thrilled,” said skipper Charlie Enright from the USA after the decision. “This race demands everything – emotionally, mentally and physically. I’m incredibly proud of the whole team who have worked tirelessly for three years to get to this point.” The team is the first from the USA to win the Ocean Race in its 50-year history. There have been ups and downs. “But they were worth it to hear the news today,” said Enright.
Overall standings at the Ocean Race based on a jury decision
1. 11th Hour Racing – 37 points
2. Team Holcim – 34 points
3. Team Malizia – 32 points
4. Biotherm Racing – 23 points
5. GUYOT environment – Team Europe – 2 points
Jury decides one more time per 11th Hour
Shortly after the start of the last leg of the Ocean Race from The Hague to Genoa, the yachts of 11th Hour and Guyot collided. Both boats were so badly damaged that the race was over for them. Guyot skipper Benjamin Dutreux immediately took the blame for the accident on his own.
Nevertheless, Holcim had formulated an objection on Wednesday evening. The team had insisted that 11th Hour himself should have avoided the impending collision. However, the jury did not see a failure by 11th Hour.
The Mālama yacht was still en route to Genoa when the jury met. Unlike Guyot, Enright and Co. took off again after the repair work was completed. “Every sailor will say that they want to win races on the water and not in front of a jury,” said the skipper, who was satisfied with the decision: “We would have liked to have had the chance to be on the water with Holcim fighting for overall victory. They were exceptional competitors. But even so, victory tastes just as sweet.”
Negotiation takes less than 60 minutes
The jury’s decision was quickly made. And anyone who had thought that it would take all the more time to decide on the application for redress was wrong. Even if all teams were to be given the opportunity to express themselves, because the decision ultimately affects everyone, the jury announced its result barely 60 minutes after the start of the hearing.
Nevertheless, the jury gave Holcim the opportunity to appeal against the decision on compensation. However, the Swiss team did not do this, so the organizers officially declared Enright and his team the winners on Thursday shortly after half past eleven.
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Sports current | 06/29/2023 | 12:17 p.m
