Team New Zealand seem to have confirmed a promotion for helmsman Peter Burling for their 2021 America's Cup defence.
But the news that Burling will be skipper on board the new AC75 boat raises questions over the role of Aussie Glenn Ashby, who filled the role in Bermuda last year.
While discussing the new boat rule on a live Facebook chat, tactician Ray Davies appeared to let the cat out of the bag by announcing Burling's new job.
"He was here yesterday and he's going to be part of the team," Davies told his audience. "Really exciting times for the team and, yeah we have, he's going to be the skipper.
"We're looking forward to rebuilding from what we had in Bermuda and taking it to another level again, and we're very excited about the sailing team we have."
While Burling had the wheel through the successful challenge against Oracle Team USA, the more experienced Ashby was a veteran presence on the boat and during post-race media conferences, where Oracle skipper Jimmy Spithill had tormented the Kiwis previously.
Newshub understands Team NZ intend to have Burling, Ashby and Blair Tuke on board next time round.
Burling and Tuke are currently sailing in the Volvo Ocean Race on Team Brunel and Mapfre respectively.
Newshub.
