Terry Hutchinson resigns from Emirates Team NZ

by Warren Douglas, Emirates Team NZ & Sail-World on 25 Sep 2007
Terry Hutchinson (Annapolis, MD, USA) and Emirates Team New Zealand are unable to agree on the terms and conditions of a continued relationship and Hutchinson has resigned from the team effective today.

Hutchinson has been part of Emirates Team New Zealand's afterguard since 2004. During that period he served as the team's tactician in 13 America's Cup Acts, the Louis Vuitton Challenger Selection competition, and the Finals of America's Cup 32.

Terry Hutchinson: 'It was a good run and a hard-fought regatta. I loved the racing and I believe we achieved a great deal. While disappointed that I could not come to a satisfactory arrangement with the management of Emirates Team New Zealand, the success of the campaign has created an amazing number of opportunities that I am now free to explore.'

The 39-year-old Hutchinson was twice college sailor of the year at Old Dominion University and has won world championships in the J/24, IMS, and Farr 40 classes. He has competed in the Volvo Ocean Race, won the Congressional Cup match racing event as a skipper and twice as a tactician.

He has been part of three America's Cup campaigns. In 2000 he sailed with Paul Cayard on the AmericaOne program. In 2003 he was tactician aboard Stars & Strips with Dennis Conner.

Emirates Team New Zealand managing director Grant Dalton, acknowledging the contribution Hutchinson had made to the team, said: 'Terry was an integral part of the rebuilding process that led to the team winning the Louis Vuitton Cup and performing so credibly in the America’s Cup match.'

'His commitment was total and his ability and experience were vital components of the 2007 afterguard. We wish him well.'

Sail-World comment:

In early August it was reported in an Annapolis newspaper that Hutchinson had signed a 'letter of
intent' that stipulates he will attempt to negotiate a new contract with Team New Zealand before considering offers from rival syndicates. The agreement, which was signed July 7, gives Team New Zealand the first
opportunity to hire Hutchinson once the format for the next America's Cup is settled.

Several other key members of Emirates Team NZ are understood to have signed similar letters.