New Zealand have added former Japan and USA flight controller Leo Takahashi to their crew for the upcoming fifth instalment of SailGP, beginning this month.
Takahashi, 25, raced two years with the Japanese entry, before switching to the Americans in year four.
He grew up on Auckland's North Shore, where he learnt his craft.
He contested three Optimist world championships, and has won national and international youth match-racing championships. Takahashi also sailed for Japan at the Tokyo Olympics and represented Emirates Team NZ at the Youth America's Cup.
His addition to the Black Foils sees him join forces with his childhood role models, Olympic and America's Cup champions Peter Burling and Blair Tuke.
"It's every kid's dream to sail with their heroes," he said. "I think it's been really cool how they've taken me in and been so supportive.
"I was a bit shocked actually and now I am just elated — it's a real honour. I'm excited at what we'll be able to achieve as a team over the next few seasons."
Tuke is looking forward to working with Takahashi for the next three years.
"It's been a pleasure to see him grow as an athlete over the last few years and it's fantastic to have such a young talent join our team, as we continue to push the Black Foils to the next level."
New Zealand were top qualifiers for last season's SailGP finals, but bowed to Spain and Australia in the three-boat championship race at San Francisco.
The 2024/25 schedule begins at Dubai on November 23/24, with the NZ leg racing off Auckland in January.
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