Shocked and dazed are perhaps two words that could be used to sum of the feelings of America's Cup fans following Oracle's surprise defeat.
As one reporter put it "Desafio Espanol are still in the America's Cup and BMW Oracle Racing are out. I just can't believe it."
It is really a case of Luna Rossa getting on a roll, being the quiet achievers and the other team just collapsing. It wasn't just a slip it was a complete and utter failure.
A lot of the blame for Oracle's demise must fall on the shoulders of Chris Dickson as the syndicate's chief executive and skipper. He has had all the say.
Money hasn't been an issue, time hasn't been an issue.
On the boat it just turned to custard. As one sailor said when Chris is calm and things are going well he is the best in the business. When the pressure comes on, he divides himself from the crew, he doesn't trust anyone and turns into a club sailor in terms of his ability to win races.
This could be the end for Dickson. One would assume it would be really hard for Chris to get a meaningful role in the America's Cup again.
What will happen to Oracle for the next America's Cup will be interesting. What will be the structure, who will take the reins? You can't help but think would this have looked different if someone like Paul Cayard had been running it?
Good on Luna Rossa. They have sailed brilliantly. If Team New Zealand get through, which we are sure they will, the scene is set for a brilliant battle.
