Just when the America's Cup defender Oracle Team USA needs every good headline because of the disappointing elimination series, this one comes as a hammer:
The International America's Cup Jury has initiated an investigation into the team for gross misconduct (Rule 69). This may result in the suspension of individual athletes or the entire team.
Apparently, the two AC-45 catamarans used by the team during the AC World Series did not comply with the class rules. This is a standardised class. While preparing the boats for the Youth America's Cup, which starts on 1 September, it was discovered that an additional 2.5 kilograms of weight had been added to the front centre post on both boats. Although it is not clear whether this had an effect on the boat's speed or even influenced the final result, it was a clear and deliberate, and therefore serious, breach of the class rules.
The American team reacted immediately. Team boss Russel Coutts withdrew both boats from the last four regattas, which will be re-evaluated. In a statement it says: "The changes were made by a small group of sailors over a year ago. The team management and skippers were not informed and internal procedures were not followed."
Also affected by the affair is the BAR racing team of record Olympic medallist from Great Britain, Sir Ben Ainslie, who used one of the two American boats. According to a statement from the team, the boats were taken over by Oracle Team USA and have always been prepared and maintained.
The investigation into gross misconduct is still ongoing.
Lars Bolle
Chief Editor Digital
