Valencia Sailing exclusive: Russell Coutts resigns from BMW Oracle, to become new Team NZ CEO
This is of course our April's fool joke. The photo of Russell Coutts was taken as he was entering the conference room in the Valencia Holiday Inn in December of 2007 when BMW Oracle organized a meeting with the then America's Cup challengers.
We are sorry for not publishing any updates on our website yesterday (there was little to write about in any case) but the reason was that we had to spend most of the day in two simultaneous investigating missions.
Our investigations started early in the morning in Valencia and finished late at night in Barcelona's airport. As a result, we are proud to announce what is probably THE scoop of the year in Valencia Sailing: Russell Coutts, the legendary kiwi sailor, has resigned from BMW Oracle and as of today, Larry Ellison, the owner of the American team, is actively searching for a new CEO.
We also know that Coutts boarded a Singapore Airlines flight from Barcelona's airport and flew back to Auckland, via Singapore. Given the time difference between the two countries and the thousands of miles that separate the two cities, Coutts is expected to arrive on Thursday morning, local Auckland time. Our Spanish spy had to break the speed limits a few dozens of times, as the kiwi sailor drove in his black BMW 750 car from the BMW Oracle base in Valencia to Barcelona's airport.
Yet, the most extraordinary news is that Coutts is not going back to his home country for pleasure or holidays. Reportedly (though we still have to confirm this) he will replace Grant Dalton and lead the New Zealand America's Cup team for the 33rd and 34th editions of the world's oldest sports trophy. Apparently, the deep-seated animosity that existed between Coutts and the team is a thing of the past.
Russell Coutts (still wearing his BMW Oracle uniform) boarding Singapore Airlines flight SQ377 from Barcelona to Singapore and then on to Auckland. Barcelona, 31 March 2009. Photo copyright Pablo Fulanito / Valencia SailingLabels: 33rd America's Cup, BMW Oracle, Emirates Team New Zealand, Russell Coutts
9 Comments:
I love April 1....!
According to my information, he is going to New Zeeland for a fishing expedition.
i think the Grant Dalton part gave it away as being a April Fools joke!
I think that is a joke that New Zealand would like be true!
NOT A JOKE! Russel has seen the light, and finally has come to the conclusion that the AC should be won on the water and not in the courtt room. Larry Ellison is a bitter old man who doesn't know how to loose (albeit he had much experience with loosing).
Next is the withdrawal of BMW from the BOR team which will be announce in the next couple of weeks.
Hope to never see this idiot Mr. Larry again, overblown egoistical and conceded idiot,
Norberto, loose or lose?
Maybe you have a bolt loose.
Pierre, you're being naughty. Very very naughty.
norberto, you impostor. you are a shame for yourself. stfu.
norberto, the real one.
Norberto,you are a fake sailor just like your poodle friends from BOR ... you have no sense of humor, and you cannot looose ....
You (just like Larry & Tom) need to looosen up a bit!
:)
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