Scallywag’s misconduct charge over ‘Dr Cloggs’ video dropped by sailing body
Volvo Ocean Race officials and rival crews praise decision to clear skipper David Witt and navigator Steve Hayles
A misconduct charge against David Witt, captain of Hong Kong’s Volvo Ocean Race entry Sun Hung Kai/Scallywag, and navigator Steve Hayles has been dismissed by sailing’s International Jury.
The investigation came about after a complaint about a video posted on social media by the Scallywag crew in which they perform a mock radio skit. In the skit, the only female crew member, Dutchwoman Annemieke Bes, is dressed as “Dr Cloggs” and asked to give advice on how to treat “scrotum rash”.
There was mixed reaction from social media users, with some criticising the video in the wake of Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein’s sexual abuse revelations, while others dismissed it as harmless fun.
The video, which has since been taken down, was made during the second leg of the race between Lisbon, Portugal and Cape Town, South Africa.
Hayles left the crew after arriving in Cape Town and was replaced as navigator by Antonio Fontes. His departure is not related to the misconduct probe.
Who is Annemieke Bes?