(I’ve also updated the original post with the below)
As expected, Oracle USA stormed home to win the last race and the cup, and well done to them, and to everyone in the regatta.
However. A big word that, However it seems that emerging although unverified news is that that Oracle may have been using an illegal weapon, a “special foil adjuster system” that allowed then to gain control over their foiling. Time will tell and I would not want to pass judgement, but perhaps the changes made were not under the rules.
It is well recognised that Oracle was having serious foiling stability difficulties at the outset of the regatta and that their performance could not match that of ETNZ. Half way through the series it was acknowledged that Oracle had fitted an automatic control to their hydrofoil trim, and that this modification was approved by the measurement authorities.
Since this modification Oracle’s performance has almost unbelievably improved.
…
The ‘legality’ of this device has been justified and accepted on the basis that it does not actually ‘drive’ the trim of the foils…..this is still performed by the muscle power of the crew, via hydraulic linkages. That may be so, but the device, using its sensing and directives, has been described as ‘automatic’. This implies that the trim of the foils is determined by what can only be described as ‘superhuman’ technology.
So we shall see what passes, but it appears that the America’s Cup may once again end up in a court.
New Zealand, as one of the top three least corrupt countries in the world, finds that breaking the rules is beyond the pale, and it would be far away from Team NZ’s culture to do so. However if Oracle USA are found out then this country will be horrified – and it may be seen as a major scandal with implications well beyond sport.
To draw out the business analogy, New Zealand companies in my observations, will tend to play by the rules when competing offshore, and many lose business as they are not aggressive enough to bend or break the rules. We do, I hazard, draw the line too early sometimes, and should be a lot less afraid of creating our own rules, within reason, where we can.
But cheating? That’s not us, and we should promote trust-based ways of doing business through-out the world by the best way possible, through the success of our own companies.
Lance Wiggs 
Mentalities are different. Somebody once told me that in the US: 1. Money, 2. Relationships, 3. Rules, in Europe: 1. Rules, 2. Relationships, 3. Money and in Asia: 1. Relationships, 2. Money, 3. Rules
May or may not be true and there are always exceptions to the rule. But I wouldn’t be surprised if the matter ended up in court.
LikeLike
this must go to court,for the sake of all investors past and future,coutes and co should be made accountable justace will happen.come on nz
LikeLike
Actually New Zealand may not be as corruption free as many of us believe. The justice system in particular is rife with conflicts of interest, self-serving legal judgments, backhand deals, judges closing ranks to support each other against accusations of improper behaviour etc etc.
http://www.kiwisfirst.co.nz/
I think that we shouldn’t be so complacent about such an important subject as corruption, especially in such an important element of our system of governance.
As to the contribution made to Oracle’s win in the America’s Cup by its advanced by its foil adjustment system, I’m surprised that Larry Ellison would allow his team’s win be tainted by cheating in two consecutive races, especially when hardly anyone in the State’s even knows about the America’s Cup. What could he possibly gain from it?
LikeLike
Bloated Ego for Larry Ellison
LikeLike
I strongly feel Oracle has cheated..thats what Americans do to serve their ends.
Team NZ are proud losers..Oracle Team are poor Winners…that sums up the difference of attitude and ethics .
Americans are cheats in every way.. be it in
1. Business.
2. War
3. Politics.
4 Sports
LikeLike