A contact of Duncan Garner's in San Francisco sent this email our way:

"OK here is the oil. [Larry] Ellison paid 10 expert composite boatbuilders to fly from NZ 10 days ago.

He gave them each $250,000 to get on the plane and a guarantee of another $250,000 if they win. They effectively rebuilt the boat. They also installed a device that up until then was just being trialled.

Nothing to lose. It is an analogue dial that is connected to sensors that indicates the best foil positions for the current conditions. Speed, pressure force, aspect etc. all the guys on the boat need to do is to match the position of a matching dial pointer by using the hydraulic pressure pumps (handles) and match the two pointers up. Very fast adjustment for every condition.

Team NZ need to trial and adjust and see how the boat responds then go again. All trial and error.

Oracle have streamlined with stunning results with the rebuild.

Barker is gutted, down as and states they just can't find another 2 to 3 knots of boat speed required in the time available to do the job. They just don't have the funds or ability at this time.

Ellison has bought the cup. It will now die. Nobody will play anymore.

Sport destroying via money. We did our best.

Expect a Oracle Team USA win."

So, there it is.

source: data archive