Latest news with #TeamNZ
NZ Herald
23-05-2025
- Sport
- NZ Herald
America's Cup: Emirates Team New Zealand respond to Athena Racing, American Magic criticism
'The latest version of the protocol went back to the challenger of record, Athena Racing, 10 days ago, prior to the announcement of Naples. The defender has not had any feedback back from the challenger of record on the latest version other than acknowledgement it had been well received by the teams.' Athena Racing, led by Sir Ben Ainslie, accused their rivals of a 'concerning lack of transparency' and warned there were still 'significant barriers' to overcome as they worked towards a 'fair sporting protocol' for the event. The British team said that without the protocol being locked in, any confirmation of Naples at the host venue was 'premature, at best'. In part of a foundational agreement with the challenger of record, Team NZ said the venue was due to be confirmed before June 20 (NZT) to give challengers clarity around one of the most important parts of the regatta. The host venue was locked in and confirmed more than a month before the deadline. 'Ahead of time, the teams now have that knowledge and understanding with the exciting announcement of Naples, Italy, in 2027. 'In contrast to the statement by Athena Racing, all teams have already been offered full access and transparency to the host venue agreement (HVA), which was signed just last week, upon their signing of a non-disclosure agreement (NDA). Such a requirement is standard practice with any contract that contains commercial sensitivities. 'The defender is yet to receive the returned NDAs from Athena Racing as challenger of record.'
1News
15-05-2025
- Business
- 1News
Arrivederci: Italy confirmed as host for America's Cup 2027
Naples, Italy will host the 38th America's Cup between March and August 2027, the Italian government has announced alongside Emirates Team New Zealand. It marks the first time the prestigious sailing event will be held in Italy, a long-time competitor with a deep history in the regatta. One of Europe's oldest cities, Naples will stage the Cup racing between Castel dell'Ovo and Posillipo in the Gulf of Naples under the shadow of Mount Vesuvius. Team bases would be set up in the Bagnoli district, which was currently undergoing major urban regeneration. Team NZ chief executive Grant Dalton said he couldn't be more excited to announce Naples as the host venue for the next America's Cup. 'By bringing the Louis Vuitton 38th America's Cup to this country, it feels like we are bringing it to the people, in our ambition to continually grow the audience of the America's Cup and the sport of sailing.' He praised the Italian sailing community as one of the "most passionate and engaged", and described Naples as "the perfect venue" for the event. "There is a raw spirit and absolute pride in Italy that seems so appropriate to have the next America's Cup here," Dalton added. Italy was home to Luna Rossa, Team NZ's long-time rival, making the setting especially meaningful from a competitive standpoint. The Italian outfit came up short against Team New Zealand in two America's Cup challenges, both in Auckland in 2000 and 2021. Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron commodore David Blakey said Naples hosting the America's Cup offered an "incredible opportunity" to showcase New Zealand sailing and innovation on a global stage. "We are proud to be defending the Cup there in 2027. "Our squadron members had an unforgettable experience travelling to Europe for the latest America's Cup, and we look forward to delivering even more exclusive experiences and support opportunities in Naples, Italy." Naples previously hosted America's Cup World Series events in 2012 and 2013, drawing an estimated crowd of more than one million people. The announcement followed a successful bid supported by the Italian Government, with politicians calling the event a catalyst for tourism, urban development, and national pride. Hosting the America's Cup was expected to accelerate redevelopment plans for the Bagnoli district and draw global attention to the city's waterfront, Naples Mayor Gaetano Manfredin said. The announcement of Naples as the host city marked the final tack away from any lingering hopes that Auckland might host the next America's Cup defence. Tātaki Auckland Unlimited (TAU) announced Auckland would be unable to proceed with a bid to host the Cup in April. "Auckland's bid was contingent on a three-way funding partnership between Auckland Council, central government and the private sector. MBIE has informed TAU that the Government is unable provide the funds required and on that basis the bid cannot proceed," he said. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said the America's Cup would have been "nice to do" but that the Government would have needed to put up "a lot of money". "We've inherited a very messy set of economic books and I think most New Zealanders would sit there and go, 'What's the choice, actually upgrading regional provincial hospitals across New Zealand or actually investing in America's Cup?' and it's pretty clear to me that actually New Zealanders want us to invest in proper infrastructure. "We have a responsibility to be very grown-up and responsible with taxpayers' money."
1News
14-05-2025
- Sport
- 1News
Team NZ name new skipper after Burling's departure
Team New Zealand has named Nathan Outteridge as its new skipper for its next America's Cup defence. Peter Burling, the helmsman and three-time winner of the America's Cup, parted ways with the team early last month after an agreement was unable to be reached. The team today announced its team of five core sailors: Outteridge, Andy Maloney, Blair Tuke, Sam Meech and Chris Draper. Outteridge, an Australian, was co-helmsman alongside Burling when they held on to the America's Cup in Barcelona last year. Tuke, Maloney and Meech were all also returning for another campaign, while British sailor Draper is a new addition who last competed in Japan's challenge in 2017. Meech was a back-up sailor in last year's defence in Barcelona and was likely to take a more prominent role this time around. Team NZ said more sailors would be announced in due course. Discussions between team management and Burling, 34, had been ongoing since the America's Cup was held in Barcelona last year, however an agreement was unable to be reached. Team NZ chief executive Grant Dalton told 1News at the time that the deal did not stick as they required certainty of commitment. "2027 is a year when the guys have got to be here. We can't have people away at that time at all, and it's a critical period that the designers need the feedback of what they want." Dalton said he thought the offer to Burling was "pretty good" but that it required certain dates. "You do not win the America's Cup for the fourth time by prioritising anything else other than the organisation." The helmsman and three-time winner of the America's Cup said he had been part of something "truly special" in his decade at Team NZ. "I've had the privilege of being part of something truly special – from intense battles to unforgettable victories, and friendships that extend well beyond sailing. I'm immensely proud of everything we've achieved together and grateful to everyone who has been part of this chapter.
NZ Herald
05-05-2025
- Business
- NZ Herald
America's Cup: Key questions after a dramatic start to the 38th edition
Alinghi Red Bull Racing's decision to not launch a challenge for the 38th America's Cup was a legitimate surprise – to the point where the Defender of the Auld Mug, Team NZ, even appeared to be caught off-guard when the Swiss confirmed their position. While entries are not yet open for the next edition, it was believed that all challengers from Barcelona intended to return for the next cycle. Perhaps the most surprising part was that the team made the call before the protocol had been released. Alinghi Red Bull Racing were one of two new challengers to enter the 37th America's Cup. Photo / America's Cup Alinghi Red Bull Racing noted frustrations with the Defender in regards to the future of the event were a key reason for the decision, while Dalton said the Swiss had been supportive in meetings about the direction of the next regatta so far. The 37th edition felt like the event was taking another step towards its former glory with an increase in challenging syndicates. The Barcelona regatta had the equal most challengers since the 2007 edition – with many of the competing teams not coming back into the arena following the 2010 debacle which saw Oracle Team USA dethrone Alinghi in a Deed of Gift match after a court battle. However, the news poses the question of whether or not other challengers from Barcelona will follow the Swiss out. Italian syndicate Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli have already indicated they will again be trying to pry the Auld Mug from the Kiwis' grasp, while UK challenge Athena Racing – formerly Ineos Britannia – are the challenger of record. The New York Yacht Club's American Magic skipper Terry Hutchinson said in an interview with Scuttlebutt Sailing News in January that they were committed to continuing, but were waiting to see how the regatta shaped up. France's Orient Express Racing Team have not yet publicly indicated what their future in the event looks like. Will there be changes to nationality rules? In addressing the exit of the Swiss, Dalton noted a very intriguing aspect of the draft protocol in the potential loosening of eligibility rules. The previous edition of the Cup, 100% of the sailing crew had to either be a passport holder of the country their team represented prior to March 19, 2021, or have been physically present in the country – or representing the team in Auckland during the 36th America's Cup cycle – for two of the three years prior to the same date. For the next edition, it could be that teams can bring international recruits into their sailing team in a bid to lift competition with the draft protocol allowing for two non-nationals per team to help bolster the sailing talent on board. If that allowance remains in the official protocol, there could be some very intriguing story lines to follow – and it would likely make Peter Burling a hot commodity on the open market. Peter Burling was at the helm for Team NZ in the last three America's Cup campaigns. Photo / America's Cup Burling had an offer from Team NZ withdrawn due to the time it was taking to come to an agreement, which leaves the three-time Cup-winning helmsman without a team for the new cycle. Burling is yet to share his side of the story or provide an indication of his future plans in the Cup arena, but he has plenty going on. Family is at the top of that list as he and wife Lucinda welcomed a baby girl in March last year. In sailing, Burling is the driver and co-chief executive, alongside wing trimmer Blair Tuke, of the Black Foils – New Zealand's SailGP Team – while the pair also have Live Ocean, an ocean conservation foundation they established in 2019. However, should he be interested in returning to the America's Cup in a sailing capacity, it would be a surprise if he was not approached by challenging teams should they be allowed to have non-nationals on board. If the new protocol keeps the current 100% nationality rule, Burling might still be a sought-after adviser given his experience and expertise in the AC75. Who takes the wheel? With Burling gone, who will be asked to step up? That's the big question around Team NZ as they go into their first America's Cup without him since 2013's regatta in San Francisco. Leo Takahashi and Seb Menzies were the helmsmen for Team NZ's Youth America's Cup team in Barcelona, with Josh Armit, Oscar Gunn and Veerle ten Have in the team as well. The Women's America's Cup team had Liv Mackay and Jo Aleh at the helm, working alongside Molly Meech, Gemma Jones and Erica Dawson. Team NZ could look outside their current in-house talent as well in order to find the right candidate, as they did in bringing Nathan Outteridge in as co-helmsman for the last campaign, and Dalton said the team had their eye on people. 'I still remember Pete arriving for the first meeting with me, it might have been 2014, with a 49er on his roof rack and with that hunger. We're responsible, too, to bring these new guys on as well and you could possibly see them, if they come in fast enough, they could be in the next Cup on board,' Dalton said. 'We have our eye on people. We started that process through the Youth America's Cup last time – Youth America's Cup will continue in the next cup – but we've got to bring them on as well.' Christopher Reive joined the Herald sports team in 2017, bringing the same versatility to his coverage as he does to his sports viewing habits. Page 2
Associated Press
08-04-2025
- Automotive
- Associated Press
Romain Leroux targets Silver Cup success in GT World Challenge Europe with Aston Martin
Romain Leroux kicks off his 2025 season with ambition alongside Aston Martin and Walkenhorst Motorsport in the GT World Challenge Europe Endurance. 'We've got the car, the crew, and the experience. I've never felt more ready to fight at the front and chase results across Europe and Asia this season' — Romain Leroux PARIS, FRANCE, April 8, 2025 / / -- After a strong 2024 campaign highlighted by a podium at Monza, French GT driver Romain Leroux launches into the 2025 GT World Challenge Europe Endurance season with Aston Martin and Walkenhorst Motorsport with eyes set on Silver Cup glory. He also embarks on a parallel campaign in the Thai Super Series with Team NZ, adding an international dimension to his racing calendar. A decisive season, solid preparation After a year of steady progress in 2024, Romain Leroux heads into 2025 with fresh momentum. Still driving the Aston Martin Vantage GT3 with Walkenhorst Motorsport, he's ready to make his mark in what is set to be the most competitive Silver Cup season yet, with 18 entries on the grid. The goal is clear: fight at the front and contend for top results. Last year, Romain scored a podium finish at Monza. With a well-managed race from both drivers and team, he achieved a solid third place. This key result shows the progress made over the course of the season and further strengthens his motivation for the season ahead. 'I'm more ready than ever' 'Last year, I learned a lot: about the new car, how to manage strategy in endurance races, the dynamics of the team... This season, I really feel ready. We have a high-performance car, which the team now knows very well, and a solid crew. The objective is simple: to be consistent and minimize mistakes, which is crucial in GT world challenge to aim for the best possible results and victories.' A prestigious calendar, huge challenges Romain will return to the finest circuits of Europe: Paul Ricard (April 11-13), Monza (May 30-June 1), Spa-Francorchamps (June 25-29) and Barcelona (October 10-12). Such an array of venues allows him to compete in the highest category and to showcase his full potential. Partners to back him all the way Throughout the season, Romain counts on committed partners such as AdvanIDe, Pourquoi Pas and PRFM for their support. These strategic partnership to allow him to aim for excellence. An international program Alongside his commitment to European endurance racing, Romain will also be taking part in the Thai Super Series (TSS) in Asia with Team NZ. This participation will give him the opportunity to discover new circuits and face top-level competition, reinforcing his experience and versatility in GT racing. Stay updated about his season 📸 @romainleroux_ Calypso Montibert Romain Leroux Racing + +33 6 59 28 11 45 Legal Disclaimer:
