The team announced that Peter Burling, a three-time America's Cup winner and helmsman of New Zealand's Luna Rossa, has left New Zealand to join the Italian team Luna Rossa ahead of the 2027 edition sailing's most prestigious event.

The 38th America's Cup will be held in Naples, Italy. This is the first time that Italy has hosted the America's Cup. Burling, 34 years old, joins the Italians only two months after ending a long-term relationship with New Zealand. With them, he won the Cup twice in 2017, and also in 2021 and in 2024.

Burling has joined Team NZ following his gold and silver medals in 2012 and 2016 Olympics, sailing with Teammate Blair Tuke. Former New Zealand skipper Burling will be supporting both sailing operations and technical developments at Luna Rossa, as they prepare for the latest Cup campaign.

Burling, who has won three Olympic medals and six world titles for the 49er class in addition to his Olympic ones, is considered one of the top talents in the sport.

"I have always enjoyed racing against Luna Rossa, and to now join this iconic team feels like a great honour. Burling stated that the innovation and competitiveness of Luna Rossa has always been an inspiration to her.

"I'm grateful to the team for their warm welcome. I'm excited to work hard with them and do my part in helping Luna Rossa win its first America's Cup."

Max Sirena, CEO of Luna Rossa, said: "Although his role is not yet defined, he'll be part of our sailing team. He will strengthen the core leadership group of Luna Rossa and contribute to key areas of development.

"Peter brings tremendous sports, technical, and individual value." Reporting by Shifa Jhan in Bengaluru, Editing by Christian Radnedge

(source: Reuters)