CAMPER and Telefónica Protest Each Other
Team Telefónica and CAMPER with Emirates Team New Zealand have lodged protests against each other following the nail biting finish to Leg 2, Stage 1.
CAMPER skipper Chris Nicholson was the first to lodge a protest, which was related to a manoeuvre made within miles of the finish line, where Telefónica claimed victory by less than two minutes.
At 1730 UTC, before crossing the finish line, CAMPER skipper Chris Nicholson informed race management by email that they had raised their red protest flag over a move related to luffing rights.
Nicholson reported that at 1700 UTC when both the teams were on a port tack, with Telefónica to windward, CAMPER luffed and the Spanish team failed to respond and avoid a collision, as is required by race rules.
At 1816 UTC Telefónica skipper Iker Martínez emailed race management and CAMPER to report his team’s protest, claiming unseamanlike conduct.
