Peter Burling leaves Emirates Team New Zealand ahead of next America’s Cup

Three-time winning skipper steps away as team reshapes strategy for 38th edition.

Peter Burling, skipper of Emirates Team New Zealand, waves before the race against Team Ineos Britannia in the 37th America's Cup on October 13, 2024, in Barcelona, Spain. Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

Peter Burling leaves Emirates Team New Zealand ahead of the next America’s Cup, bringing an end to one of the most successful skipper-team partnerships in modern sailing history. The news was confirmed by the team on Friday, signaling a major shift as they prepare to defend their title in the 38th edition of the world’s oldest international sporting competition.

Burling, now 34, has been at the helm for three consecutive America’s Cup victories, including the most recent triumph over INEOS Britannia in Barcelona last year. His sharp instincts, tactical mastery, and calm under pressure became hallmarks of the team’s dominance in recent campaigns. But after months of discussions with team management, the two sides failed to reach an agreement on his future role.

The announcement came as a surprise to many within the sailing community, who had expected Burling to continue leading New Zealand's charge. However, shifting dynamics around the competition’s scheduling and team structure have altered the expectations for returning crew members.

A historic run comes to a close

Peter Burling’s departure marks the end of a defining era for Emirates Team New Zealand. Since joining the team in 2014, he quickly emerged as a natural leader, guiding the Kiwis to America’s Cup victories in 2017, 2021, and 2024. His blend of youthful energy and tactical acumen reinvigorated a program that had long been considered a powerhouse in competitive sailing.

Team CEO Grant Dalton acknowledged Burling’s impact on the organization, describing him as a “central figure” in their historic run. “Pete has been a central figure who has grown incredibly within Emirates Team New Zealand since he joined 10 years ago,” Dalton said in a statement. “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.”

Indeed, winning three straight America’s Cup titles is a feat few teams in the event’s storied history have managed. And Burling’s legacy is now etched into the sport’s lore, not just in New Zealand but globally. His departure signals a significant changing of the guard, as the team turns its attention to preparing for a faster-paced competition cycle.

The 38th America’s Cup will be contested on a more regular basis than previous editions, which traditionally saw four-year gaps between contests. The shift means a shorter window for preparation, more frequent team rotations, and increasing physical and mental demands on crew members. These new realities have forced management to reconsider how they build and maintain a cohesive, high-performing team.

According to sources close to the negotiations, this evolving landscape was central to why Peter Burling leaves Emirates Team New Zealand. While both parties expressed mutual respect, they ultimately could not align on expectations for time commitments and responsibilities under the new format.

“America’s Cup is changing,” Dalton added. “The requirements for sailors are evolving with each cycle. While Pete will not be continuing with us, we part on very good terms, and his contribution will always be appreciated.”

The team has not yet named a new skipper but confirmed that preparations are already underway. Emirates Team New Zealand remains committed to defending the Cup with the same level of innovation and intensity that has defined its last decade.

A legacy beyond the Cup

While Peter Burling leaves Emirates Team New Zealand, his impact on the sport is far from over. Outside the America’s Cup arena, he is a decorated Olympian and a strong advocate for ocean sustainability. Burling, alongside longtime crewmate Blair Tuke, co-founded “Live Ocean,” an environmental organization aimed at protecting marine ecosystems.

Many believe his next move will involve a combination of high-performance sailing and environmental leadership. Whether that includes competing with another team in the next America’s Cup cycle remains uncertain, though it has not been ruled out. Burling himself has yet to make a public statement following the announcement.

Speculation has already begun to swirl about whether other top-tier syndicates might court the Kiwi champion. Teams from the United States, Italy, and even Great Britain are rumored to be interested in adding his expertise to their rosters. However, any future engagement would likely depend on how Burling wants to balance competitive sailing with his broader personal and professional goals.

Burling’s exit from Emirates Team New Zealand is more than just a personnel change—it’s the end of a golden era in New Zealand sport. His leadership on the water and ability to rally a team in high-stakes scenarios turned Emirates Team NZ into one of the most feared units in international sailing.

Fans across the country took to social media following the announcement, expressing both gratitude and disappointment. Many thanked Burling for his dedication and composure, especially during the most intense moments of recent finals.

For a nation that treasures its maritime heritage, Peter Burling became a symbol of Kiwi grit, intelligence, and unshakeable calm. Whether he returns to the America’s Cup arena or channels his energy elsewhere, his contributions will be remembered as foundational to one of the most successful periods in New Zealand’s sailing history.

What’s next for Team New Zealand?

With Peter Burling gone, Emirates Team New Zealand now faces the daunting task of reshaping its leadership and crew dynamics. Several promising sailors are already part of the extended squad, and there are reports that some former members may return in expanded roles. The team will likely continue to emphasize innovation in boat design and race strategy, areas where they’ve consistently led the field.

Despite Burling’s departure, confidence within the team remains high. “We have a strong bench of talent and a unified vision moving forward,” Dalton said. “This team was built on collaboration and excellence, and that won’t change.”

The 38th edition of the America’s Cup promises to be faster, tougher, and more competitive than ever. As Emirates Team New Zealand recalibrates, they do so with a track record of excellence—and the knowledge that they’ve weathered change before.

Peter Burling leaves Emirates Team New Zealand at a time of transition for the America’s Cup and the team itself. His legacy as one of the greatest skippers in modern sailing is secure. Now, both Burling and Emirates Team NZ will look toward new horizons—separately, but with deep mutual respect for the journey they shared.

His absence will be felt, but his influence endures, both in the record books and in the waters that still carry the hopes of a proud sailing nation.