Mike Sanderson, sailing director for Team Origin has left the British America’s Cup campaign.

In a statement issued today:

‘TEAMORIGIN announced today that Mike Sanderson has left the team following the decision by Sir Keith Mills, Team Principal, to restructure the organisation. This 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. Mike has been with the team since it was formed in 2007. He has made a huge contribution to establishing what has been a relatively new team and has worked hard to keep the team together over the last three years while the America’s Cup was in the courts. Sir Keith and the team wish Mike every success in the future.’

Behind the scenes it is believed that tensions were mounting in the management of the team. Last week the new boat and its crew had shown encouraging signs at the Audi Medcup in Cascais where Team Origin 1851 enjoyed moments at the front of the fleet as well as some impressive bursts of speed. But an overall result of 5th followed a disappointing final result at the Louis Vuitton Trophy event earlier in the year in Auckland.

The team is currently training in Sardinia for the second round of Louis Vuitton Trophy match racing that starts on Saturday.