The Right Call in Hobart

There are few things out there that’ll ruin any game faster than not following the rules. Not only that, but when it comes to a game like sailboat racing, not following the rules can also get people hurt, or even killed.

I found myself thinking these thoughts while reviewing video and shortly after the start of last December’s Rolex Sydney Hobart Race. In the end, was penalized 60 minutes for not adequately giving way, which in turn, caused the team to forfeit both its dramatic come-from-behind line-honors victory over and a new race record. This, of course, elicited a storm of wailing and gnashing of teeth, including apparently by at least one member of the crew—although not, I’m happy to report, by the boat’s longtime skipper, Mark Richards, who said he respected the jury’s decision.