By SUZANNE McFADDEN
Chris Dickson has taken on a new role in the Oracle America's Cup syndicate.
The New Zealander, originally described as skipper of the American campaign, is now the liaison between the syndicate and its designer, Bruce Farr.
Oracle have decided not to name a skipper until the eve of the Louis Vuitton Cup challenger series in October next year. But Dickson is still in the running.
Dickson, who has skippered three cup challenges, remains a member of the afterguard.
But his focus will be on the liaison role, relaying testing information from Ventura, on the west coast of the United States, back to the Farr office in Annapolis, on the east coast.
Dickson has twice worked with Farr on America's Cup designs - in 1987 with KZ7 and in his own syndicate in 1992 for the Tag Heuer boat.
Over the past couple of months there have been rumours that Dickson had been fired from the team - they have been consistently denied by Oracle.
Dickson will continue to sail the old AmericaOne boats on Ventura Harbour in California as one of the strong afterguard contingent.
The ultimate job of helmsman could go to any one of five experienced cuppers. Paul Cayard, skipper of AmericaOne in the last cup, New Zealander John Cutler, Italian veteran Tomaso Chieffi, and Peter Holmberg are also in the running.
Herald Online feature: America's Cup
Team NZ: who's in, who's out
Yachting: Dickson is given new cup role
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