Sanderson sacked as Origin team director

Stuart Alexander
Tuesday 18 May 2010 19:40 BST
Comments
(GETTY IMAGES)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

The surprise sacking of team director Mike Sanderson was announced by Britain's Team Origin challenge for the America's Cup tonight.

The Kiwi who won the Volvo round the world race in 2004-05 had been with his family, including solo round the world racer wife Emma, in the Sardinian island of La Maddalena for training with the team, skippered by Ben Ainslie, ahead of the Louis Vuitton Trophy regatta which starts this weekend.

In a terse statement, Origin said that Sir Keith Mills, boss of the Origin team and deputy chairman of the organising committee for the London Olympics, had taken the decision as part of a restructuring exercise which is expected to include other departures.

"The decision has been taken to ensure that the team functions as effectively and efficiently as possible in order to improve the team's performance and ultimately win the America's Cup," said a spokesman.

It appears that Sanderson has paid the price for disappointing results at the Louis Vuitton regatta in Auckland in March and last week in its brand new TP52 at the Audi MedCup regatta in Lisbon.

Sanderson said he was feeling "a bit beaten up" but he did not want any ill feeling with Sir Keith and wished the team the best of luck. "It came as a bit of a surprise," he added.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in