Resolution Downwind Dash held on the 17th January 2009

Statement posted on behalf of the Race Director:

1.    At the pre-race briefing, competitors were advised that due to the number of competitors and the length of the start line, officials were not in a position to monitor the full event and competitors were invited to fill in protest forms if they witnessed any irregularity during the race.

2.    In fact not a single protest form was received and no protest was lodged with the race director.

3.    At the start a number of competitors started prematurely at the warning signal. A recall was attempted by repeated sounding of the hooter. Some competitors retuned to the start line and others ignored the recall.

4.    The start continued with the correct timing sequence.

5.    At the scheduled prize giving, competitors were advised that due to the large number of premature starters and subsequent confusion no result could be announced at that time. After scrutinising available evidence, a result would be published as soon as possible.

6.    Janet Lightbody and Tyrone Rawlings were appointed as scrutineers

7.    Taking the results as presented by the time keepers and through extensive consultation with the leading competitors, the first twenty places for men and five places for ladies were established. Those who it was established had started prematurely were disqualified.

8.    I am confident that the finishing order and timing of the first 20 men and 5 ladies has been established with a high degree of certainty and that prizes can be awarded.

9.    For subsequent finishers, a finishing order will be published for the interest of competitors, but can not be verified and the accuracy is therefore in some doubt.

10.    The race director would like to thank the scrutineers for a task completed under a great deal of stress and severe time constraints.

11.    The race director appeals to the competitors to accept the results in the spirit in which they have been presented.