Emirates Team NZ Named 2025 World Sailing Team of the Year at Dun Laoghaire Ceremony

6th November 2025

Afloat.ie Team

Emirates Team New Zealand are celebrating again after being named 2025 World Sailing Team of the Year in Dun Laoghaire, honouring teamwork and dedication.

Emirates Team New Zealand has been awarded the title of 2025 World Sailing Team of the Year at a ceremony in the Royal St. George Yacht Club in Dun Laoghaire on Dublin Bay.

This honour highlights the team's success and commitment to collaboration and community within sailing.

The recognition follows the team's historic third consecutive America’s Cup win in Barcelona in 2024. This achievement cements their status in sailing history. Kevin Shoebridge, COO of Emirates Team New Zealand, stated, “This recognition is especially meaningful to us because it is not about any one individual. It is about the strength of the team.” He emphasised that the team’s success is a collective effort. “Every single person in our organisation... plays a crucial role in what we achieve together. This award belongs to all of them.”

The award celebrates the principle of collective excellence, which is a core value for Emirates Team New Zealand.

Their success is rooted in collaboration and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The team also acknowledged the other nominees, praising the depth of talent within the sport. Special recognition was given to Dani A Pich, a blind sailor from Yes We Sail, for his inspiring circumnavigation of the Isle of Wight. “We are very proud to stand alongside nominees who embody the best of what sailing represents,” said Grant Dalton, CEO of Emirates Team New Zealand. “Dani A Pich’s story reminds us why we do what we do.” Looking ahead, Emirates Team New Zealand remains focused on innovation and teamwork.

They aim to continue representing New Zealand with pride on the global stage.“We are very proud to stand alongside nominees who embody the best of what sailing represents: skill, perseverance, and sportsmanship,” said Grant Dalton, CEO of Emirates Team New Zealand. “Dani A Pich’s story, and the example he sets for sailors everywhere, reminds us why we do what we do.

This award reflects the collective spirit of the sailing community.”

As Emirates Team New Zealand looks ahead to future challenges, the team remains committed to pushing boundaries in design, performance, and teamwork, while continuing to represent New Zealand with pride on the world stage.

Published in World Sailing, America's Cup

Published in World Sailing

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