Bring back the Biff

Originally posted by Peaky Thanks Jim. So will he face another hearing to establish a longer term punishment?

what sort of timeframe would this be, if it were to occur?

I can sort of see where Menace is coming from, there's no question the incident is instigated by the media boat, but then there are rules of redress that apply to deal with the situation correctly. Abusive action, no matter what/who instigated it would not be tolerated in a Football World Cup for example.

Originally posted by Peaky Putting aside the rights and wrongs of what happened, how is it possible to be disqualified from two races for one infringement? Indeed, that infringement did not even occur during a race. What would happen if he'd waited until they were in the bar before remonstrating with the photographer? There are loads of guys who get towed or given drinks bottles after the race by their coach boat - if the rules still apply shouldn't they be dsq for assistance?

I don't condone Ben's 'moment of madness' but does this mean that in future press boats can do as they please?  If that's the case then it will be dead easy for a press boat to influence the medal hopes of many.  Let's not forget that the real culprit was the press boat and none of this would have happened if they had been more considerate in their navigation during race 9.  Due to their actions a whole career has been potentially put at risk.

As I said in my opening line 'I don't condone Ben's moment of madness' but there for the grace of God go many of us!!!  I understand the views of Menace but these are harsh words considering how much Ben has done for sailing in the UK, especially for youth sailing.

If it had happened off the water completely the result would probably be much the same. There was an incident in the dinghy park at a Tasar Worlds some years ago and the culprit got a two year ban from sailing. There have even been cases where the misbehaviour occurred off Sailing club premises. The persistent vandalism which has caused the cancelation of the Grafham Cat open is a good example: if the culprit could be identified I'm sure they'd be looking at a Rule 69 hearing and a ban from sailing.

Rule 69 is "Gross Misbehaviour". The PC may do anything within its power, which specifically includes disqualification from *every* race in the event, whether already completed or not. Then it goes to National and World authorities who can do anything within their power, up to and including a life ban.

You know what, I'll fly against most mainstream UK sailing opinion and say I hope Ainslie gets punished to the nth degree of what is possible. If I walk into work tomorrow, and act to another in a threatening way, irregardless of whether I'm in the right or wrong, I'll expect to be punished appropriately and my P45 to be in the post.

Edited by Mark Jardine - 12 Dec 11 at 5:46am