Peter Burling, the famous skipper of Team New Zealand, and the team have decided to part ways before the next America’s Cup.
Team New Zealand announced the news in a statement, explaining that both sides had been discussing Burling’s future since the last America’s Cup in Barcelona. In the end, they couldn’t agree on a new deal because the demands on sailors are changing.
The America’s Cup will now happen more often, and Team New Zealand says they need sailors who can work even closer with the design team. This means time schedules are tighter, and every team member must be fully available when needed.
Peter Burling, who is 34 years old, said he felt lucky to be part of Team New Zealand for a decade, calling it a “truly special” experience. He thanked his family, friends, and Kiwi fans for their support and shared his excitement about his next adventures, including growing the Black Foils team and helping the ocean through his charity, Live Ocean.
Grant Dalton, Team New Zealand’s chief executive, said Burling had been a “central figure” in the team’s great success. He added that their parting was friendly but explained that the team now needs full-time commitment to prepare for 2027, a critical year.
Dalton also said they offered Burling a good deal, but it required him to be available at important times. He emphasised that winning another America’s Cup means putting the team first.
Burling made history by skippering Team New Zealand to three straight America’s Cup victories — in Bermuda (2017), Auckland (2021), and Barcelona (2024). At just 26 years old, he became the youngest skipper to ever win the Cup.
