Coutts speaks out on reasons for leaving Team NZ

4.45pm - By HELEN TUNNAH

Alinghi skipper Russell Coutts has broken his silence over the reasons why he and tactician Brad Butterworth left Team New Zealand soon after winning the last America's Cup.

Coutts said the former trustees of Team New Zealand continually resisted his and Butterworth's attempts to take over the management of the team, and placed considerable financial barriers in their way.

He said at one stage Butterworth and other sailors, who had spent more than a decade with New Zealand teams, were "humiliatingly" shut out of the team's base when the locks were suddenly changed.

Coutts, the skipper who won the Cup twice for Team New Zealand, and other key crew who quit three years ago have been heavily criticised for their decision.

He said he had never before spoken at length about why he left because of an agreement with the new trustees and current syndicate head Tom Schnackenberg not to disclose any of the problems faced.

Alinghi of Switzerland will race Team New Zealand for the America's Cup in two weeks.

Full text: Russell Coutts speaks on Team New Zealand departure

nzherald.co.nz/americascup

Racing schedule, results and standings