Star Kiwi sailing duo Peter Burling and Blair Tuke have re-committed to Team New Zealand for the America's Cup defence in 2024.
Speculation had swirled that the 2016 Olympic champions may take their talents to a rival syndicate, with the pair remaining coy about their intention to back up in the black boat.
But on Friday, Burling and Tuke - considered two of the world's premier sailors - were confirmed as part of Team NZ's six-strong core team of sailors to provide a huge boost in their quest for a third consecutive 'Auld Mug'.
They'll be joined by Andy Maloney, Australian Nathan Outteridge, Glenn Ashby, and Josh Junior, whose focus will be on the performance and development of the boat, along with the all-important strategic decision-making.
The complete sailing team of grinders or cyclors will be announced at a later date.
"We are excited to be part of Team New Zealand going for the third win in a row of the oldest sporting trophy in the world,'' says Tuke.
Burling and Tuke also announced their decision not to return to the 49er class and compete at the 2024 Olympic Games, but left the door open for a return in later years.
"It's not retirement from the Olympics, we'll never say never," says Tuke.
"We step aside knowing there is a breadth of talent within the NZSailing Team that will represent Aotearoa strongly at the Olympic Games in Paris."
In the 49er, the pair have won six World Championship titles and represented New Zealand at three-straight Olympic Games, bringing home two silver medals and a gold medal.
But Burling and Tuke will continue to lead the New Zealand SailGP team.
"The America's Cup and SailGP will create a super high performance environment that will push us to be our best and maximise our performance in both competitions,'' Burling says.
Team NZ chief operating officer Kevin Shoebridge believes they have assembled one of the strongest line-ups in the team's history.
"Clearly we are very happy to have the depth of talent that we have in the sailing team right now," said Shoebridge.
"The strength of our core sailing team is clear to see, there isn’t many things in sailing that haven’t been achieved by this group of guys collectively.
"After the finish of the last America’s Cup we had an extensive and robust review of the winning campaign and how we can become stronger.
"Ultimately, all aspects of the organisation must improve if we are to be successful again in AC37 and collectively improving our sailing team as a unit is an important aspect of this."
The deadline for confirmation of the host venue for the 2024 regatta is in March, with Cork, Barcelona and Jeddah the current front-runners.
Teams are allowed to begin sailing their new boats in September.
