Only in April of this year Emirates Team New Zealand and its helmsman Peter Burling announced their separation after three America's Cup victories together. It was already in the air that the 2016 Olympic 49er champion and most successful Cup sailor of his time could possibly join another team. It seemed hard to imagine that the New Zealander would remain without Cup activity at the zenith of his career. The resolution officially came today.
America's Cup: Peter Burling becomes "Italian"
In a press statement, Patrizio Bertelli's team Luna Rossa has announced that "Pistol Pete" Burling will work for the Azzurri in the 38th America's Cup. The news came around two months after Peter Burling and the New Zealand Cup defenders parted company by mutual consent. Patrizio Bertelli is the most persistent challenger in the history of the oldest and most famous regatta in the sailing world.
The Brit Sir Thomas Lipton formed five challenges with his yachts named "Shamrock" between 1899 and 1930, but never won the America's Cup. Patrizio Bertelli is entering his seventh challenge and wants to finally win the ornate silver trophy for Bella Italia. To this end, his team Luna Rossa has now signed up the most successful sailing athlete. Peter Burling won the America's Cup for the first time in 2017 with Emirates Team New Zealand and successfully defended it with the Kiwis in 2021 and 2024.
The Italian company's statement on the prominent appointment reads: "After a change characterised by mutual respect, Peter now becomes an official member of Luna Rossa and is ready to contribute to both sailing performance and technical development as the team prepares for the next America's Cup campaign."
"Pistol Pete": sporty and technologically strong
With three Olympic medals (gold in Rio 2016, silver in London 2012 and Tokyo 2021), six World Championship titles in the 49er class and three America's Cup victories in a row, Burling brings a remarkable wealth of experience - not only in terms of competitive sport, but also in the areas of technical innovation and performance development. Peter Burling, who operates at a very high technological level, has always been credited with a significant share of the Kiwi victories.
"We are delighted to welcome Peter Burling to Luna Rossa," said Luna Rossa's CEO Max Sirena. "Peter has long been a rival, and over the years we have come to deeply respect both his exceptional sailing talent and his athleticism on the race course. Although his exact role is yet to be determined, he will definitely be part of the sailing team, strengthening Luna Rossa's management team and contributing to key areas of our development programme."
Commenting on the spectacular signing of the number one in the America's Cup sailing world, Max Sirena added: "Peter brings tremendous sporting, technical and personal values. We are convinced that his presence will give the team a significant boost and bring new energy, expertise and determination as we prepare for the challenges ahead."
America's Cup: Cup king in the "lion's den"
Against the backdrop of the new commitment, Grant Dalton's words, which he uttered in May when the New Zealand America's Cup defenders announced the Italian harbour city of Naples as the venue for the 38th America's Cup rather than a New Zealand venue, now take on new weight. New Zealand's chief conductor commented: "It feels like we are entering the lion's den." Did he mean "lion" Peter Burling as a future opponent in this cave?
A new chapter in Peter Burling's extraordinarily successful career is about to begin. The young father from Tauranga will be "Italian" and in future compete for the America's Cup in the "Prada look". He said: "I am incredibly proud to be joining Luna Rossa for the 38th America's Cup. I have always loved competing against Luna Rossa and now it is a real honour to join this legendary team."
On his motivation to switch teams as the proud New Zealander he has always convincingly appeared to be, Burling said: "The innovation and competitiveness they (ed.: Luna Rossa) bring to the Cup has always inspired me. I am grateful for the warm welcome and look forward to working with a world-class team and playing my part in helping Luna Rossa win its first America's Cup."
