Peter Burling and Team NZ to square off in Italy

New Zealand sailor Peter Burling will race against his former team at this weekend's America's Cup Preliminary Regatta in Sardinia.

Burling left Team New Zealand in April 2025 after the two parties were unable to reach an agreement over his future.

The three-times America's Cup winner and Olympic champion then joined Italian outfit Luna Rossa in June.

Burling has been named as one of the helmsmen for Luna Rossa's two boat entry into the Preliminary Regatta.

"It's a very strong team that I've always respected. We have an exceptional sailing line-up and we've done great work over these past months. I can't wait to get back on the racecourse," Burling said ahead of the regatta.

Eight boats will compete in Sardinia, two each from Team New Zealand, Luna Rossa and Great Britain and one each from Alinghi and La Roche Posay.

Late challengers Team Australia and America Racing won't take part.

Nathan Outteridge will skipper and helm the senior Team New Zealand boat and Seb Menzies will lead the women's and junior team.

Outteridge said he was looking forward to taking on Burling.

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"It's been a few years sitting side-by-side like this in a lot of meetings and now you are against each other. But Pete and I have had a great relationship over the last 15 years. Whether we were training together, competing against each other, working together, and we are racing against each other again. This is really cool."

TVNZ will have full live coverage of the 38th America's Cup and related regattas from May 2027.