Peter Burling gets Italian payday

When 3-time America’s Cup winning skipper Peter Burling could not come to terms with the New Zealand defender, he shared how his phone was ringing from other teams. Perennial challenger Luna Rossa was among the callers and have signed Burling to join their campaign for the 38th America’s Cup.

The Protocol has yet to be confirmed, but it is a safe assumption that it will include a clause to block Burling’s participation on the sailing team. However, Italian team CEO Max Sirena remains hopeful.

“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,” said Sirena. “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.”

While Burling contends his split from the Kiwi team was not about the money, odds are his involvement with the Italians will be well compensated. “I’ve always loved racing against Luna Rossa and now to join this iconic team is a real honor,” he said.

“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.”

Game on!

Details: https://www.americascup.com/

No entries have yet been submitted for the 38th America’s Cup as Defender New Zealand works with the Challenger of Record from Great Britain to organize the event. The two teams have agreed on some details with the venue moved to Naples, Italy after Barcelona, Spain declined hosting another edition. Racing will be in the spring and summer of 2027.