America's Cup, New Zealand's star player with Luna Rossa. His secrets for winning

The news is quite important, indeed it could really change the fate of Luna Rossa, the Italian challenge for the next America's Cup scheduled for 2027 in Naples. Actually, formally the challenge has not yet been presented by the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, but given the great, indeed very great, manoeuvres underway it seems certain that as soon as a 'Protocol' arrives Patrizio Bertelli's team will be eighth. It is on this document - which will regulate the running of the regattas - that there is much discussion between the defender Grant Dalton and the challengers that has ignited several controversies, but as usual it will all end in tarallucci e vino: the Cup is too necessary for professional sailors to turn off the show. Indeed, their desire to turn it into a permanent circuit is somewhat against its nature and legend.

Peter Burling has for years been considered a true golden boy, a guy who can turn everything he touches into gold. Two months ago came the news of his divorce from Team New Zealand: Grant Dalton has never paid the crew much and this has always been a theme. It is easy to think, without being a professional scofflaw, that behind this decision to switch to the Italian team there is also an interesting financial return. Something similar had happened in 2003 when Ernesto Bertarelli had hired Russel Coutts and his faithful to the tune of gold doubloons to win the Cup at the first attempt. In New Zealand they did not take it well but there is a difference: back then it was raced in Auckland and on a daily basis the traitorous crew was always in contact with the fans. This will not be the case in Naples. In fact, it is easy to think that Peter will quickly become one of the family.

Peter 'Pistol' Burling is that good: his CV speaks for itself. Winner of three Olympic medals (gold in Rio 2016 and silver in London 2012 and Tokyo 2021) and six world championships in the 49er class, and three consecutive America's Cup editions starting with 2017 in Bermuda when he beat Oracle bringing the Cup to Auckland for the second time in history. What will Peter be able to do? He is unlikely to be able to get on the boat at the helm in racing because of the new nationality rules But his talents are not just to race the boat. Peter is an engineer, as is Russell Coutts, and he knows all about boat development and foiling technology. He brings with him an incredible wealth of experience, not only on a sporting and sailing level, but also from a technical point of view.

"We are thrilled to welcome Peter Burling," said Luna Rossa CEO Max Sirena. "Peter has long been our competitor and over the years we have had the opportunity to appreciate both his extraordinary sailing talent and his fairness and sportsmanship in competition. Although his exact role is not yet defined, he will certainly be part of the sailing team, reinforcing the leadership of Luna Rossa's core group, and he will also contribute in other key areas of development. Peter brings great sporting, technical and human value and we are confident that his presence will give an important boost to the whole team, infusing new energy, experience and determination in view of the challenge ahead".

"I am really proud to be joining Luna Rossa for the 38th America's Cup," said Peter Burling. "Racing against this iconic team has always been thrilling and to have the opportunity to be part of it today is a real honour. The innovation and determination that Luna Rossa brings to the America's Cup has always inspired me. I thank everyone for the warm welcome I have received and I look forward to working together with a team of the highest calibre like this and giving my all to help win the first America's Cup for Luna Rossa."