Peter Burling joins Challenger Italian Luna Rossa for their seventh tilt at the America's Cup
by Luna Rossa Prada Media 20 Jun 16:13 AEST
Peter Burling has joined the Luna Rossa America's Cup team © Carlo Borlenghi / Luna Rossa
In preparation for the 38th America's Cup, Luna Rossa strengthens its front line with a high-profile addition: Peter Burling, the New Zealand helmsman and three-time America's Cup winner, is joining the Italian syndicate.
Burling arrives at Luna Rossa two months after mutually concluding his collaboration with the current Defender, Emirates Team New Zealand — a partnership that saw him win the Cup in 2017 and successfully defend it in both 2021 and 2024. Following a transition marked by mutual respect, Peter now becomes an official member of Luna Rossa and is ready to contribute both in sailing performance and technical development as the team gears up for the next America's Cup campaign.
With three Olympic medals (gold in Rio 2016, silver in London 2012 and Tokyo 2021), six World Championships in the 49er class, and three consecutive America's Cup victories, Burling brings a remarkable wealth of experience — not only in terms of competitive sailing but also in technical innovation and performance development.
"We're thrilled to welcome Peter Burling to Luna Rossa", said Max Sirena, CEO of Luna Rossa. "Peter has been a long-time rival, and over the years we've come to deeply respect both his exceptional sailing talent and his sportsmanship on the racecourse. Even though his exact role has yet to be defined, he will certainly be part of the sailing team, reinforcing Luna Rossa's core leadership group and contributing to key areas of our development program. Peter brings tremendous sporting, technical, and personal value. We are confident his presence will give the team a significant boost, bringing renewed energy, expertise, and determination as we look ahead to the challenge before us".
"I'm incredibly proud to be joining Luna Rossa for the 38th America's Cup", said Peter Burling. "I've always loved racing against Luna Rossa and now to join this iconic team is a real honour. The innovation and competitiveness they bring to the Cup has always inspired me. I'm grateful for the warm welcome and I'm looking forward to working hard alongside a world-class team, doing my part to help win Luna Rossa's first America's Cup".