Issue date
Peter Burling's bombshell decision to join Luna Rossa for the 2027 America’s Cup sent ripples through the sailing world and more than a few waves across this country.
For the past three campaigns, Burling has been the heartbeat of Emirates Team New Zealand, leading the sailing team to a historic three-peat across Bermuda, Auckland and Barcelona.
His decision to join an Italian challenger (and one of Emirates Team New Zealand’s fiercest rivals in recent Cups) sparked fierce debate online. While the backlash hasn’t reached the fever pitch Russell Coutts and Brad Butterworth faced when they left Team New Zealand in 2000, there’s an all-too-familiar undertow to the reaction.
The platforms may have changed, but the sentiment is strikingly similar: the sting of watching a national hero don another burgee still cuts deep.
In the latest edition of Yachting & Boating Quarterly - published today and free to read by clicking here or on the banner below - we hear from Butterworth himself. Never one to mince words, he offers a staunch defence of Burling’s move, while revealing his own (ultimately unsuccessful) attempt to lure the sought-after skipper to Swiss outfit Alinghi.
Butterworth also reflects on the future of the Cup and the changes he believes are urgently needed if it is to retain its status as the sport’s ultimate prize.
We also speak with Nathan Outteridge, Burling's successor at Emirates Team New Zealand, who is fast becoming one of our favourite sailing Aussies. A dual Olympic medallist and world champion across four different classes for Australia, Outteridge has raced for elite teams around the globe. Now at the helm of one of the sport’s most iconic brands, he shares insights from inside the camp, talks candidly about stepping into such high-profile shoes, and reflects on the challenge of forging a new chapter with a team woven into New Zealand’s sporting fabric.
This issue also marks a changing of the guard onshore. Steve Armitage has been appointed as the new CEO of Yachting New Zealand, following David Abercrombie’s retirement after 14 years. Armitage, whose background spans major events, hospitality and tourism, speaks about his background and immediate priorities.
We’re also privileged to share a powerful personal story from Viki Moore, one of our most passionate cruising advocates. On page 62, she opens up about her cancer diagnosis, the strength she’s drawn from the cruising community, and the importance of staying connected in tough times.
Renowned cruiser and author Lin Pardey launches her new column with a gripping reminder of how quickly conditions can change at sea.
You’ll also find a practical A to Z guide for aspiring trailer yacht cruisers, and a revisit of Peter Bourke’s remarkable solo circumnavigation of New Zealand aboard the yacht he first fell for more than 50 years ago.
Plus, we explore the latest antifouling products and examine what looming tax changes could mean for imported boats.
Thanks for reading and please share your feedback and stories by emailing eduan@yachtingnz.org.nz as we aim to keep bringing you the sailing news and insights as it unfolds.
Judging by the dramatic start to the new America’s Cup cycle, we’re in for a thrilling ride.
