For a full graphic of the Cup see today's printed Herald SuperSport
KEY POINTS:
BMW ORACLE RACING
Country: USA. Boats: USA87, USA98
Project initiator: Larry Ellison
Syndicate head/skipper: Chris Dickson
Key designers: Bruce Farr and Juan Kouyoumdjian
Estimated budget: $220 million
Boat colour: Grey/white/black
Challenger ranking: 2
HISTORY
Formed in 2000 by Larry Ellison, chief executive of software company Oracle. Ellison, a keen yachtie, owned themaxi Sayonara, which was heavily crewed by New Zealanders. The discussion on Sayonara often turned to the America's Cup which led to the birth of the Oracle syndicate. In the last cup, despite a number of personnel changes throughout the racing period, they reached the challenger series final before falling to Alinghi. This time New Zealander Chris Dicksonhas been put in charge of all aspects. He has assembled a talented sailing and design team which includes Kouyoumdjian, designer of ABN Amro One.
CREW
With a predominantly Kiwi crew, Oracle have experience from bow to stern. They have a strong afterguard, which features Dickson, highly-regarded American navigator Peter Isler, Kiwi Gavin Brady and Frenchman Bertrand Pace. "With our end-goal now in sight there is a renewed energy and focus within the team," Dickson says.
STRENGTHS
A big budget campaign. Oracle have been able to pour plenty of resources into research and development. And it shows. Their two race yachts look slick and show there has been an incredible amount of attention to detail. An extremely talented crew and like Team New Zealand it is hard to find fault with their crew work.
PROSPECTS
There is no doubting BMW Oracle Racing could easily go through to the final if not the match. They are a very slick and very intense campaign.
