By JULIE ASH
Yachtsman Russell Coutts launched his Swiss America's Cup challenge, Alinghi, in Auckland last night, unrepentant about his decision to quit as Team NZ's skipper.
Coutts and Brad Butterworth were two of several New Zealanders who joined Alinghi after New Zealand's successful defence of the America's Cup last year.
"When I look at it now, we needed new challenges and so did they [Team New Zealand]," Coutts said.
He said claims that he had planned to leave Team New Zealand the day he let Dean Barker take the helm were untrue.
"I handed Dean the helm because I wanted to demonstrate that the team should come before any one person's ego."
After that, things changed in the team.
"I think it is common knowledge that issues developed that we couldn't resolve.
"But the fact is that we began talking with Michel Bonnefous and Ernesto Bertarelli [from Alinghi] well after that final race."
Ironically, Alinghi's new syndicate base is next door to Team New Zealand's.
"A bit of banter goes on back and forwards across the fence," Coutts said. "We had many great years with Team New Zealand and we have a great relationship with them."
And although he said the shock had gone, he was not expecting New Zealand to rally behind his crew.
Yachting: Coutts defends quitting Team NZ
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.