Team New Zealand have insisted the addition of new helmsman Nathan Outteridge will have no bearing on the re-signing of Peter Burling and Blair Tuke for their next America's Cup defence.
The Australian's unveiling on Thursday raised a few eyebrows, with the syndicate yet to secure the pair's services for 2023.
But Team NZ's chief operating officer Andrew Shoebridge has been quick to dismiss suggestions Outteridge's appointment may mean the end of Burling and Tuke.
"No, absolutely not," Shoebridge tells Newshub, when asked if Outerbridge's addition spells the pair's demise.
Shoebridge adds he's "absolutely positive" that both Burling and Tuke will eventually reach terms with Team NZ to return for another defence of the 'Auld Mug'.
Newshub understands Burling and Tuke have been reluctant to recommit until there's clarity around the venue for the next event.
They've expressed particular concerns over the event being held in Jeddah in Saudi Arabia, one of the current contenders as hosts.
Outteridge was at the wheel for Swedish outfit Artemis during the 2017 America's Cup campaign and led Japan to the inaugural 2019 SailGP crown, sitting third place overall so far this season.
He won silver in the 49er class at the Rio Olympics, behind gold-medallists Burling and Tuke.
"Nathan would be rated in maybe the top three foiling helmsman in the world at the moment," says former Team NZ sailor Mark Orams.
"Not only has he got the talent and the experience, he's a really good fit for Team NZ because he's just a great team player."
There have also been concerns whether Burling and Tuke's stock has taken a hit since winning the America's Cup in Auckland earlier this year.
They were unable to defend their Olympic title in Tokyo and have struggled for consistency in Sail GP.
But according to Orams, both are still considered among the best in their profession.
"Perhaps you could say their stock has dropped, but amongst the sailing community and the people who know the talent of those two sailors, they would be right up there," says Oram.
"They'd be at the top of the list at the moment."
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