Oracle Team USA’s punishment for engineering the worst cheating scandal in America’s Cup history: it’s docked two races in the finals against Emirates Team New Zealand starting Saturday. The International Sailing Federation jury also booted key team member Dirk deRidder from the regatta and imposed a $250,000 fine against Oracle for its failure “to discharge corporate responsibility.” The penalties were for making illegal boat modifications during last year’s America’s Cup World Series.
Upshot: The first finals team to win nine races wins the America’s Cup, but since it starts at –2, Oracle would have to win 11 races. Chronicle
