Nathan Outteridge: Emirates New Team Zealand’s skipper

Toby Heppell

Australian sailor, Nathan Outteridge moved to New Zealand in 2018 and will now skipper his adopted home's entry in the 38th America's Cup

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Nathan Outteridge has become a name synonymous with excellence in competitive sailing and he is now gearing up for one of the biggest challenges of his storied career: leading the Kiwi team, Emirates Team New Zealand, as skipper in the 38th America’s Cup.

Outteridge, an Olympic gold medalist and world champion, brought a wealth of experience and a competitive edge that made him a key figure when he was signed by the team as Peter Burling‘s co-skipper in the 2024 America’s Cup.

Following that successful defence Burling stepped away from the team and in May 2025 it was Nathan Outteridge named Emirates Team New Zealand skipper for the team’s defence of the 38th America’s Cup.

Who is Nathan Outteridge?

Born in 1986 in Newcastle, Australia, Outteridge’s affinity for the water was apparent from a young age. He first began sailing at the age of five, and it quickly became clear that he had a natural talent for the sport. His early years were marked by rapid progression through the junior ranks, setting the stage for what would become an extraordinary career.

Nathan Outteridge first made waves on the international stage as a teenager when he won the 2003 World Championship in the 29er class. His career continued on an upward trajectory when he transitioned to the 49er class, where he formed a formidable partnership with Iain Jensen.

Nathan Outteridge competing in the foiling Moth. Photo: Thierry Martinez

Together, Outteridge and Jensen became a dominant force in the 49er class, culminating in winning the gold medal at the 2012 London Olympics (with his New Zealand America’s Cup co-skipper Peter Burling and Blair Tuke picking up silver) and silver at the 2016 Rio Olympics (where Burling and Tuke took gold). These accolades cemented Outteridge’s status as one of the premier sailors of his generation.

Beyond the Olympic arena, Outteridge has been a constant presence in the highest echelons of sailing. His expertise in foiling, in particular the foiling Moth, and multihulls made him a natural fit for the modern America’s Cup, where innovation and speed are paramount.

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He made his debut in the 35th America’s Cup in 2017 as skipper for Artemis Racing. Despite falling short of the ultimate prize, Outteridge’s leadership and skill were widely recognised, and he left a lasting impression on the competition.

Outteridge’s versatility as a sailor is one of his greatest strengths. Whether it’s steering a foiling catamaran in the SailGP series, where he’s demonstrating his talent time and again, or mastering the intricate tactics of match racing in the America’s Cup, Outteridge has consistently demonstrated an ability to adapt and excel in any sailing discipline.

Skipper Nathan Outteridge gets the Japan SailGP Team airborne in Cadiz, Spain, in October 2021. Photo: Felix Diemer/SailGP

As the co-skipper of Emirates Team New Zealand, Nathan Outteridge faced a unique set of challenges in the 2024 America’s Cup and it was fascinating to watch how he worked alongside long-term friend, training partner and competitor Peter Burling.

Known for his analytical approach and calm demeanour under pressure, Outteridge is a leader who thrives in high-stakes environments. His ability to inspire confidence and bring out the best in his crew was a crucial factor in the team’s victory in the intense competition in Barcelona.

Emirares Team New Zealand’s Core Team announced in May 2025. Photo: Hamish Hooper / Emirates Team New Zealand

Now Outteridge is stepping up the lead the sailing team for the Kiwis and he has very big shoes to fill. Burling has been at the head of this team – in one form or other – for their win in 2017, successful defence in 2021 and the most recent defence in 2024.

As the next America’s Cup draws closer, Nathan Outteridge stands as a key figure to watch. His journey from a young sailor in Australia to the skipper of one of the most iconic teams in sailing is a testament to his dedication, skill, and love for the sport. With the Cup on the line, Outteridge’s leadership and expertise will be pivotal in determining whether Emirates Team New Zealand can reclaim the Auld Mug for the fourth consecutive event and thus re-write America’s Cup history.

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