The International Association for Disabled Sailing (IFDS) handed the home team the discretionary four-point penalty that lost them the Sonar three-person keelboat class medal when bosun Simon Hiscocks cleaned the port side of the keel after being authorised to lift the boat out of the water to inspect some damage.

The Royal Yachting Association (RYA) submitted an appeal to CAS in September last year but the Swiss court ruled that the IFDS decision was related to technical rules as constituted in the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) handbook, which ultimately means that CAS do not have jurisdiction.

"The decisions of the International Association for Disabled Sailing (IFDS) on 5 and 6 September stand," read a CAS statement.

IFDS President John Twomey welcomed the decision, but admitted it was "regrettable" that the British team lost the bronze medal.

"IFDS is very pleased with the outcome of this hearing at which CAS confirmed the decisions of the international race officials," he said.

"When the RYA presented the appeal in September 2012, IFDS advised CAS that it lacked jurisdiction.

"IFDS agrees with the arbitrator that medals should be won or lost on the water.

"It is regrettable that the actions of members of Team GBR led to the protest and penalty against the British Sonar team.

"I am glad that we can now draw a line under this matter and look back on the Paralympic sailing competition for the amazing spectacle that it was."

The British Paralympic Association (BPA), meanwhile, admitted it was disappointed with the result.

"We are naturally disappointed with this outcome but we respect the arbitrator's decision and will move forward in the hope that all parties involved will learn lessons from the events that took place," read a statement.

Read the full CAS verdict on the case here.

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