No way.

We are here to race and learn. Not make extensive, costly repairs to our boat after a dangerous misjudgement by our opponent in yesterday's race that could have resulted in serious injury to Fuku (on our bow) or people in the back of ITA 86.

The jury's decision as reported by ACM:

After listening to evidence from Italian skipper Francesco de Angelis and BMW ORACLE Racing skipper and helmsman Chris Dickson, along with the Umpires on the race course, the Jury gave a verbal finding:

- The two boats were on a collision course;
- At approximately five boat lengths of separation, USA 87 bore away to pass behind ITA 86;
- At approximately 1.5 boat lengths of separation, ITA 86 luffed up and went into a tack;
- USA 87 attempted to bear away further but then luffed up sharply;
- There was a collision;
- It was not reasonably possible for USA 87 to avoid a collision;
- Luna Rossa luffed and tacked in a position where contact between the boats was extremely likely;
- Luna Rossa broke Rule 14 (avoiding contact);
- BMW ORACLE Racing is eligible for redress;
- Both boats are damaged too badly to sail on Sunday;
- BMW ORACLE Racing is awarded one point as redress as they are unable to race through no fault of their own.

A full written decision will be released on Sunday.

The decision means BMW ORACLE Racing wins the petit final and third place. Luna Rossa will be in fourth place in Louis Vuitton Act 12.



Photo courtesy of ACM. More photos on the Valencia Sailing website and on
our team photo site: www.bmor-photo.com.