America's Cup: Emirates Team NZ awarded World Sailing's Team of the Year
by Emirates Team New Zealand 5 Nov 2025 17:19 PST
October 19, 2024. Louis Vuitton 37th America's Cup, Prizegiving. Emirates Team NZ, winners of the America's Cup © Ian Roman / America's Cup
Emirates Team New Zealand is proud to have been named the 2025 Rolex World Sailing Team of the Year, a prestigious honour that recognises not only the team’s continued success on the water but also its enduring commitment to teamwork, innovation, and community within the sport of sailing.
The award follows Emirates Team New Zealand’s historic third consecutive America’s Cup victory in Barcelona in 2024, an achievement that solidified the team’s position as one of the most successful in the event’s long and storied history.
“This recognition is especially meaningful to us because it is not about any one individual. It is about the strength of the team,” said Kevin Shoebridge, COO of Emirates Team New Zealand. “Every single person in our organisation, from the sailors to the designers, the boatbuilders, the shore crew, and the families who support us, plays a crucial role in what we achieve together. This award belongs to all of them.”
The Rolex World Sailing Team of the Year Award celebrates collective excellence, a value that lies at the core of Emirates Team New Zealand’s philosophy. The team’s success has always been built on collaboration, respect, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Principles that continue to drive its culture both on and off the water.
In receiving the award, Emirates Team New Zealand also paid tribute to the other nominees, acknowledging the depth of talent and passion across the sport. In particular, the team extended warm praise to Dani A Pich, the inspirational blind sailor from Yes We Sail, who captured global admiration for his courage and determination for circumnavigating the Isle of Wight earlier this year. Emirates Team New Zealand proudly supported Dani and his team during the America’s Cup campaign in Barcelona and continues to champion inclusivity and accessibility in sailing.
“We are very proud to stand alongside nominees who embody the best of what sailing represents: skill, perseverance, and sportsmanship,” said Grant Dalton, CEO of Emirates Team New Zealand. “Dani A Pich’s story, and the example he sets for sailors everywhere, reminds us why we do what we do. This award reflects the collective spirit of the sailing community.”
As Emirates Team New Zealand looks ahead to future challenges, the team remains committed to pushing boundaries in design, performance, and teamwork, while continuing to represent New Zealand with pride on the world stage.