Peter Burling joins Luna Rossa: the Kiwi ace strengthens the Italian team ahead of the 38th America’s Cup
Cagliari, June 2025 – The Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli Team has announced a major addition to its line-up for the 38th America’s Cup: Peter Burling, one of the most successful and versatile sailors of his generation, is now officially part of the Italian challenge.
The news marks a key development in the team’s path toward the next America’s Cup and follows the mutual decision, two months ago, to end Burling’s long-standing collaboration with Emirates Team New Zealand. With the Kiwis, Burling won three consecutive America’s Cups (2017, 2021, and 2024) and successfully defended the trophy twice.
A name that needs no introduction
Born in 1991, the New Zealander has built a remarkable career: three Olympic medals (gold in Rio 2016, silver in London 2012 and Tokyo 2021), six world titles in the 49er class, and three America’s Cup wins as helmsman. But beyond the silverware, Burling is known for his tactical composure, his technical insight, and his extraordinary ability to read both the boat and the racecourse.
His arrival at Luna Rossa is not just symbolic—it’s a strategic move that reinforces a team that has consistently demonstrated its competitiveness on the world stage in recent editions of the America’s Cup.
Max Sirena: “We’re thrilled to have Peter”
“We are thrilled to welcome Peter to our team,” said Max Sirena, Team Director of Luna Rossa. “We’ve faced him many times as an opponent and have always admired not only his incredible talent but also his fairness and professionalism. His exact role within the team is still being defined, but he will certainly be part of the sailing team and will also contribute to key areas of our development. Peter brings invaluable sporting, technical, and human qualities, and we’re confident that his presence will inject fresh energy, experience, and determination into the group.”
Burling: “An honour to join Luna Rossa”
Burling expressed great enthusiasm about this new chapter:
“I’m really proud to be joining Luna Rossa for the 38th America’s Cup. Racing against this iconic team has always been exciting, and to now be part of it is a real honour. I’ve always admired Luna Rossa’s innovation and drive in the Cup. I’ve received such a warm welcome and I look forward to working with such a high-level team and giving my all to help win the America’s Cup for Luna Rossa.”
A strategic boost ahead of Napoli 2027
Burling’s contribution will extend beyond racing: his expertise will be fundamental during the technical development of the next-generation AC75. His ability to perform under pressure, his understanding of boat dynamics, and his experience in Cup-winning campaigns make him an ideal asset for Luna Rossa’s 2027 challenge in Napoli.
With this move, Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli further strengthens its sporting and technical core, showing once again its ambition to compete not just as a top contender—but with the clear goal of finally bringing home the Auld Mug.
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