Italians enter America's Cup cheating row
Luna Rossa skipper adds voice to complaints over modifications by defending US champions
Skipper Max Sirena of Italy's Luna Rossa is the latest America's Cup competitor to accuse defending champion Oracle Team USA of cheating.
Oracle last week acknowledged their boats were modified without permission for four America's Cup World Series regattas last year, which were warm-ups to the 34th America's Cup.
It's pretty obvious what they've done, which is pretty bad for our sport. It was really - I don't know if it's the right word - unrespectful for all of us, for all of the competitors
Asked if Oracle had cheated, Sirena said: "For sure. I mean it's pretty obvious what they've done, which is pretty bad for our sport. It was really - I don't know if it's the right word - unrespectful for all of us, for all of the competitors."
Sirena's strong words followed that of Grant Dalton, the managing director of another challenger in Emirates Team New Zealand, who said earlier in the week that he thought the American syndicate had cheated.
An international jury is investigating Oracle's actions and can sanction the team with a fine, reduction in the number of sails they can use, forfeiture of races or even disqualification from the America's Cup.
Asked if the rule breaches had made the Italians more motivated to beat Oracle if they made it to the America's Cup match, Sirena said: "Yes. It will be great to beat them and to take the cup back to the real world."