130 foot J Boats collide at start line in Antigua

From 1924 to 1937 the America's Cup was raced in the massive 130 foot J Class sailboats.  Eight of them still exist.  Some make it south to race in the Antigua Superyacht Challenge. This year four raced.  But as it approached the start Svea, on port tack (wind from its left)  - in a clear violation of the rules failed to keep clear and overran Topaz near the stern. The collision was filmed (of course) by someone on another boat.  The video is below, as is the decision of the Protest Committee.  I trust there's sufficient liability insurance - or assets to pay the costs of repair. One crew member suffered four broken ribs.  Two were thrown from the boats.- gwc

VIDEO - collision
VIDEO - surveying the damage

Ruling of the Protest Committee

Involved parties:
TOPAZ – Peter Holmberg
SVEA – Charles Ogletree

Procedural matters:
This is a hearing conducted under J Class Addendum Q. Q5.3 allows the protest committee great flexibility on how the hearing is conducted. After a very significant collision we decided to speak with both parties separately to see if they agreed the facts. They were happy for us to write up the decision without a formal hearing.

Facts found:
1. Topaz was approaching the start line on Starboard approximately 1 minute 40 seconds before the start.
2. Svea on port was on a collision course with Topaz.
3. Despite a last minute turn to bear away, Svea collided with the port side of Topaz at the runner winch causing serious damage.
4. Topaz luffed to avoid when it was clear Svea was not keeping clear.
5. On Topaz two crew members were injured with one crew member suffering 4 broken ribs as he was pushed overboard by the bow of Svea. On Topaz, the port runner winch was torn off. The boom was broken. Both running back stays, mainsheet, and backstay broke under the load. The port gunwale was damaged from the runner winch to the stern. The mast was put under extreme load from the impact and will need further inspection.
6. On Svea, one crew member was pulled out of the boat by the runner tail of Topaz. His injuries were minor. The forward underbody of Svea was badly damaged.
7. Both boats immediately retired from the race.