Oracle's chances of winning the next America's Cup have been dealt a serious blow with news that world-class tactician John Kostecki has left the team.
It has been widely reported that the American, who is regarded as one of the best in the business, has renegotiated his contract and will
no longer sail but will act as consultant and adviser.
It is understood that Kostecki will return to the United States and is free to pursue other sailing activities.
Speculation of a rift within the Oracle team, who are headed by New Zealand's Chris Dickson, has been circulating.
Leading up to last month's cup pre-regattas in Valencia there was talk a majority of the sailing team were contemplating a walkout over Dickson's management style.
Just before the regattas, Kostecki was appointed sailing manager and skipper in what could now be perceived as a way of alleviating the problems.
Dickson did not sail during the regattas, choosing instead to stay on shore and focus on his CEO duties.
But Oracle's mediocre performance in the two pre-regattas resulted in Kostecki's demotion and Dickson's reappointment as skipper.
It has been suggested that other crew members are considering their futures. The America's Cup rules, however, prevent them from joining another syndicate.
Kostecki turned down a job at Emirates Team New Zealand in favour of Oracle. He has been linked with the Disney entry in the Volvo Ocean Race.
The loss of Kostecki is another blow for a syndicate that has struggled to find a harmonious balance since their inception in 2000.
During the last campaign, American Paul Cayard was sidelined after falling out with boss Larry Ellison.
Dickson then found himself on land after his troops turned against him. He was later recalled and helped guide Oracle to the final of the Louis Vuitton Cup, where they were beaten by eventual Cup winners Alinghi.
But Dickson's reinstatement sparked the resignation of trimmer Stu Argo, who described Dickson's return as like "someone just kicked the snowball off the mountaintop and the whole village is in danger".
