SARAH J's progress in class 1 of Ford Cork Week faltered yesterday following a ruling from the eligibility committee that the tactician, Mark Pettit, was a professional and was therefore ineligible for the rest of the amateur event a fact disputed by owner Cormac Toomey.
The RCYC committee are determined to maintain the amateur status of the event and point to their sailing instructions which clearly outline eligibility for the competition. They state that any sailor who "has his financial well being affected by race results and whose presence substantially improves the performance of the yacht" shall be ruled out.
A statement released by the RCYC at 7.00 p.m. yesterday said: "The organising committee of Ford Cork Week have been aware of the presence of particular crew members on yacht Sarah J. As a result, the organising committee has declared that Mark Pettit of Sarah J is ineligible for the remainder of the regatta. Furthermore the yacht has been penalised 20 per cent for both of Wednesday's races."
Sarah J's problems were compounded yesterday afternoon when the boat was forced to accept a further 20 per cent penalty after hitting a French competitor in a port and starboard incident.
Toomey told The Irish Times: "I am disappointed that the committee has ruled without any hearing for evidence involving me or my crew". Pettit and Toomey have previously sailed in Ford Cork Week and are also regular competitors in the Carlsberg Superleague on Dublin Bay when their amateur status has not been in question.
Max McMullen's Innovision, which initially brought the protest against Sarah J, is now overall leader and yesterday, her superior boat handling was clear to see on leg one of the morning race when she sailed through the lee of IMX 38 rival, Prospector.
The morning race was won by Jamie McWilliam sailing X-Pat who started mid line and was first off in clear air.
In class 2, an eligibility ruling against fleet leader Victric III means that the tactician Tony Weatherall, a former Fireball world champion and sailmaker, has also been deemed ineligible for the rest of the competition. This will put a dent in her winning form as a 20 per cent penalty for yesterday's races was also applicable.
On going starting line problems that allow smaller classes to start first have led to congestion on the water and criticism from competitors.
Burnham on Cruch entry Independent Bear was disqualified in class 0 yesterday after fowling a smaller boat when class 1 and 2 arrived at the first weather mark together.
Robert Dix, sailing Lemon, has established an 8.25 point lead over Union Chandlery in the 26 boat 1720 class, which is predominantly sailed by host club members.
Dix's lead was consolidated in the Olympic course racing. but there is still a chance for 1720 promote Joe English sailing Eko which is placed 3rd in the remaining races tomorrow and Friday.
