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Some heated debate on the Commodore's Cup, sailor classifications and Graham Dalton's qualification

Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, Chairman of Around Alone's Race Committee sent us this clarification over their part in Graham Dalton story published yesterday on madfor sailing :

Mr. Dalton initially told the organisers that he was going to make a shake down cruise from Auckland to Sydney to give his new boat a proper sea trial. On 26th March 2002 he sent in a statement of his intended qualification voyage, namely Auckland to Sydney. He set off on the 29th before there had been time for the Race Committee to respond since they are spread throughout the world. He arrived in Sydney with a damaged boat and injuries to himself and announced to the Race Chairman on the phone that he had completed his qualification. He was advised that Trans Tasman was crossing a sea not an ocean as required by the rules, and this specifically had been turned down in the past.

The rule, No 7.1 of the Notice of race requires 'each contestant to complete an authenticated single-handed transoceanic voyage, of not less than 2000 miles, without anchoring or putting into port, in the yacht entered in the race'. It was suggested that if Mr.Dalton wished his trans-Tasman voyage to be accepted he should present his logs and proof to the Race Committee for a decision. He stated he could not do this, as his logs had been soaked as had his calculations for a sight reduction which is also a part of the qualification.

In the interim the views of the Race Committee were canvassed on a hypothetical basis and they were unanimous that trans-sea was not transoceanic. This was conveyed to Mr.Dalton before he submitted anything and subsequently his agent, Jack Ralston, acknowledged this and said they would not be applying for this voyage to be counted as his qualification voyage.

The purpose of the qualification voyage is to ensure that each crew and boat have been properly tested in conditions that replicate the demands of the Around Alone Race. Single-handing around the world is the ultimate test of mental toughness, stamina and self-reliance. The test is there to prove the experience and competence of the sailor and the suitability of the boat. Even with the comfort of modern communications there is an enormous psychological difference between a 2000-mile voyage close to land within range of SAR facilities, and one across an ocean out of range of assistance.

Events in the Southern Ocean in recent years have shown the importance of such tests and it is significant for Search and Rescue authorities of the world to be satisfied that this has taken place. One can imagine how the Royal Australian Navy would feel if they had to send a warship far out to sea again to rescue someone who had not qualified properly! Race organisers and yachtsmen have a responsibility to ensure they are properly prepared. The SAR authorities are there for emergencies and not as a fall back for lack of preparedness.

It was unfortunate that in, what Mr.Dalton refers to as his second qualification attempt, he should break his mast. It was only then that he decided to apply for redress claiming his trans-Tasman voyage was a qualification. The Race Committee officially refused to accept this and he appealed to the International Jury who have denied his request.

This has left him short of time but we wish him a speedy and safe passage across the Atlantic to the race collection point at Newport R.I. There is a time penalty for late arrival, not disqualification.