Two-time Olympic medalist Nathan Outteridge has joined Team New Zealand for the next America’s Cup campaign. The 35-year-old Australian, who helmed for Artemis Racing in the 2013 and 2017 America’s Cup, lives in Auckland with wife Emma, the daughter of Team NZ manager Ross Blackman.
Outteridge has a long relationship with Kiwi helmsman Peter Burling and foil controller Blair Tuke, dating back to when Outteridge and teammate Iain Jensen were training partners with the kiwi duo in the 49er skiff prior to the 2012 London Olympics.
The Australians and New Zealanders finished 1-2 in London, but traded places four years later in Rio. Outteridge has also racked up 19 world championship medals across the Moth, 29er, 49er, Farr 40 and Nacra 17 classes.
Outteridge currently skippers the Japanese entry in the SailGP and finished second last season, while the Kiwi sailing duo have been competing for the New Zealand SailGP team .
“Obviously we are pleased to have secured Nathan to join the sailing team for the 37th America’s Cup,” said Team NZ COO Kevin Shoebridge. “Emirates Team New Zealand’s approach is to continually get stronger, so with him joining the likes of Pete, Blair, Glenn (Ashby), Josh (Junior), Andy (Maloney), etc., you cannot have too much talent and he will compliment this group well.
“His experience and knowledge in high performance foiling boats can only benefit Emirates Team New Zealand and AC37 campaign, and we are looking forward to him joining the rest of the team.”
It is unclear how Outteridge will fit into the Kiwi setup. There is also potential for Outteridge to join Burling in a dual-helmsman approach as seen by Luna Rossa at this year’s America’s Cup.
His signing comes as Burling and Tuke’s future remains uncertain, with the duo yet to re-sign with Team NZ, while it’s understood that Ashby has re-signed with the team.
Earlier this month, Burling and Tuke said they are waiting for “clarity” around the 37th America’s Cup defense before re-signing with Team NZ.
The signing of Outteridge comes as Team New Zealand has voiced concerns about having a competitive budget in which they are shopping the hosting rights for the 37th America’s Cup to help fund their campaign.
Source: NZ Herald
