After many months of deliberation, and the race fast approaching, the new staff reorganization quickly became . . . four steering managers, three area steering managers, one staff steering manager and now one project steering leader to oversee the racing contractors. Plus, of course, the 8 additional racing contractors who will actually compete in the race, but they don't really count in Corporate America . . . .
This year, the Japanese won by default, the American racing team sunk three minutes into the race. A top American manager was overheard stating "I don't understand, they said we could just plug 'em in, that they could race in any boat".
Although it's early in the planning for next year's race, rumor has it the Americans are buying a new boat that is more compatible with the vendor's system of racing expertise. A new boat acquisitions manager was hired to work on the details.