New rulings from the IJ came out early this morning on a couple of other issues:
1) technology. Alinghi had inserted some new rules that would keep BMWO from using a laser/flux capacitor wind detection device that can map the wind field in a particular area up to 1 KM ahead of the boat. The IJ ruled that BMWO is free to use the device. Alinghi had unfairly disadvantaged BMWO with the rule change.
2) Wind Limts. If you recall earlier, Alinghi had a 15knot wind limit (measured at 60 meters elevation!) and a 1 meter wave height limit (39 inches). With these boats racing offshore on a course of 20 miles (potentially 400 square miles) this would make it extremely difficult to get any racing in. Alinghi's boat is also pretty optimized for light wind. BMWO argued that this limit disadvantaged them as this rule has continued to change to the detriment of their design. IJ ruled - NO PREDEFINED WIND LIMITS. Racing is at the discretion of the Principle Race Officer. This is great news and will be vital to seeing a genuine race series uninterupted.
3) Skin friction reduction systems / polution. Alinghi inserted a rule in the NOR published last week that anything that is discharged from a boat is considered trash and trash in the water is illegal. This now meant that Rule 53 - which prohibited skin friction technology was effectively back in place AFTER Alinghi fought and won in court to have it thrown out (along with the rules prohibiting engine power during racing). IJ ruled that BMWO can use their skin friction reduction system as long as it is not harmful to the environment. (we still don't know exactly what that system is). Score for BMWO
4) race start time. The deed of gift says that the defender and challenger are to agree on the start time. Alinghi arbitrarily picked 10:30am without consulting BMWO. This is a pretty prissy issue as there's only so much daylight in which to have what could be up to a 7 hour race. Race committee set racing to start at 10:06.
IJ score card (I'm scoring the start time also as a tie since it's really a silly issue).
