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Three-time America's Cup winner Burling leaves Team New Zealand / Photo: © AFP/File
Three-time America's Cup winner Burling leaves Team New Zealand
Peter Burling, one of the most successful skippers in the history of the America's Cup, will not be a part of Emirates Team New Zealand's bid to retain the trophy, the team announced on Friday.
Burling, 34, who has been a central part of New Zealand's wins in the last three events, skippering them in 2021 and 2024, has been in discussion with the team management since they beat INEOS Britannia in Barcelona last year.
However, the team said they were unable to reach an agreement to work together in the 38th edition.
The team said the move was prompted by the changing shape of the contest which is now to be contested in more regular cycles, meaning different requirements on team members.
"Pete has been a central figure who has grown incredibly within Emirates Team New Zealand since he joined 10 years ago," said the team's CEO Grant Dalton.
"We can all look back with great pride on what has been achieved, having enjoyed unprecedented success as a team with Pete at the helm.
"Winning the America’s Cup three times in a row was uncharted territory, but what has enabled winning in the past does not always equate to winning in the future, especially in much tighter America’s Cup cycles which require a dedicated and new approach for continued success."
Burling was just 26, becoming the youngest-ever helmsman to win the America's Cup, when challengers New Zealand beat Oracle Team USA 7-1 in Bermuda.
In 2021 he became the youngest skipper at 30 to win the event when he helmed his boat to victory over the Italian challenger Luna Rossa.
He followed that up by skippering them to a 7-2 win over Ben Ainslie's British challengers.
"Over the past decade, I’ve had the privilege of being part of something truly special, from intense battles to unforgettable victories, and friendships that extend well beyond sailing," said Burling.
"I’m immensely proud of everything we’ve achieved together and grateful to everyone who has been part of this chapter."
On Thursday, British billionaire Jim Ratcliffe's INEOS Britannia team announced it was withdrawing its challenge for the next edition after failing to reach an agreement with Ainslie's Athena Racing Ltd.
M.Powell--SFF
