Gavin Brady left the BMW Oracle Racing team today. Brady previously acted as tactician at Louis Vuitton Act 6 in Malmö after the afterguard BMW Oracle Racing skipper Chris Dickson took over the helm in the course of a changeover.
So far, good results have been achieved in Malmö in the new constellation. Still, Brady announced his retirement today after he and the team failed to agree on his future role.
Brady was still in Valenci-Steuermann, together with tactician John Kostecki. After the former "illbruck" skipper left the team, Brady had to hand over the helm to his boss Dickson and took over the position of tactician.
The uncompromising dealings with sailing professionals have become a tradition at BMW Oracle Racing. In early 2002, one of the world's best sailors, Paul Cayard, was sidelined by team financier Larry Ellison, while skipper Dickson also had to leave the sailing team. Right at the beginning of the last cup, Peter Holmberg was replaced as helmsman by Chris Dickson. Holmberg later went to Alinghi.
Both Kostecki and Brady can no longer switch to another team due to the regulations.
The American challenger does not see himself weakened by the recent bloodletting: "BMW Oracle Racing is in the fortunate position of being able to fall back on excellent staff in all areas of the campaign," said Dickson. "Bertrand Pacé will take on the role of tactician today. In the past 18 months, Bertrand Pacé has been an important part of the afterguard and he will be able to fill the role immediately." For the 44-year-old Frenchman, it is already the sixth America’s Cup campaign.