America's Cup Lacks Americans

Larry Ellison's $400 million for naught as team implodes
By Jesse Andrews,  Newser Staff
Posted May 21, 2007 9:45 PM CDT
America's Cup Lacks Americans
U.S. syndicate owner Larry Ellison of BMW Oracle racing, wearing sunglasses, and helsman Sten Mohr work on board while competing against Luna Rossa of Italy during the semi finals, flight 6, of the Louis Vuitton Cup in Valencia, Spain, Sunday, May 20, 2007. Challenge advance to the Louis Vuitton Cup...   (Associated Press)

After a decisive 5-1 defeat by Italy's Luna Rossi, BMW Oracle Racing's leadership is in doubt; for the final race, owner Larry Ellison grounded skipper Chris Dickson, whose dictatorial style is said to have chafed the crew. Aided by the futuristic USA98, the underachieving Oracle team was predicted to challenge Alinghi for the title.

Instead, Italy will face the winner of Spain-New Zealand for the right to face the Swiss, last year's champions, and the Kiwi captain is left to speculate on his future with Oracle. Gavin Brady, another strong-willed New Zealander and the tactician who replaced him for the decisive race, may do so for good. (More yachting stories.)

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