Jo Aleh Joins Team NZ

Olympic gold medallist Jo Aleh has officially joined Emirates Team New Zealand as they prepare to defend the America’s Cup in 2027, which will take place in Naples, Italy.

She is one of four new sailors added to the team, alongside Seb Menzies, Josh Armit, and Jake Pye.

This move follows a new rule introduced for the next America’s Cup that requires each racing boat to include at least one female sailor. Aleh, who won gold at the London 2012 Olympics, is known for her support of more women in sailing. She said this change was a good first step toward making the sport more equal.

Aleh has already been involved with Team New Zealand, taking part in the Women’s America’s Cup in Barcelona. She hopes this new opportunity will help show that women deserve their place on the team, not just because of the rules, but because of their talent.

Joining Aleh are two other sailors with recent international experience. Josh Armit came close to winning a medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics in windsurfing, finishing fourth. Seb Menzies recently won the 2025 European Championships in the 49er class and said he’s excited to learn from the more experienced sailors on the team.

The youngest new member is 20-year-old Jake Pye, who impressed with podium finishes at the Moth World Championships in both 2024 and 2025. He said joining Team New Zealand was a dream come true.

This new line-up comes after the departure of Peter Burling, Team New Zealand’s former skipper, who has now joined the Italian team Luna Rossa. The new skipper, Nathan Outteridge, is working to bring the new sailors up to speed using the team’s simulator.