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Six satellite calls penalized under the rules
On October 11, Mara Kveseth made six satellite phone calls to her team during a session of WINDOW LIVE, the Golden Globe Race?s live video streaming service. These communications, which were also broadcast on her social media accounts, violated the race rules, which strictly limit communication between sailors and shore.
According to race officials, no substantial outside assistance was found. The penalty therefore relates to the unauthorized use of the phone, and not to any proven assistance with navigation. The application of the rules had initially resulted in a 16-day penalty: 24 hours for the first call, then 72 hours for each of the following five.
A Reduced Penalty After Review
Following an appeal, race officials reduced the penalty to 10 days, with the remaining 6 days suspended.
This reprieve is contingent on compliance with the communication rules and code of conduct until the end of the event. Another violation could result in its revocation. The GGR had also temporarily suspended Mara from WINDOW LIVE. Her return to broadcasts was scheduled for October 16 at 00:00 UTC.
A Public Apology, but a Lingering Dispute
This goes beyond the realm of sports. Mara and her team took issue with the organization's attitude and demanded an apology after the GGR shared an article from an Italian magazine on its official Facebook page VELA . Don McIntyre, the race's founder and director, acknowledged that this publication could give the impression that the organization endorsed the views expressed in the article. He apologized for this misunderstanding.
Race organizers, however, dispute the other allegations made against them, claiming they have not received any evidence to support them. The sailor?s detailed account is still needed to fully assess the dispute. Mara is therefore continuing her round-the-world voyage aboard Showgirl . But with 10 days added to his race time, the competitive implications of these communications are far from negligible.
