Dalton to head Team New Zealand

Finally the deal has been done

Grant Dalton, a man know for leading teams into battle in the Whitbread and Volvo Ocean Race is to take over leadership of Team New Zealand it has been announced today.

This following the New Zealander's crushing defeat in the America's Cup to Ernesto Bertarelli and Russell Coutt's Alinghi team from Switzerland.

The trustees of Team New Zealand have appointed dalton to the newly created position of Managing Director. All Team New Zealand members will report to him, and he will be responsible to the trustees for administration, sailing, design and sponsorship.

Peter Menzies, a trustee of Team New Zealand comments: "Our review of the 2003 campaign led us to the conclusion that to regain the America’s Cup the Team needs to revert to an organisational structure which clearly defines and allocates responsibilities while preserving valuable team input into the many design and sailing decisions ahead.

"The role of Managing Director is key, and needs to be filled by an outstanding individual who combines qualities such as leadership, organisation, sailing knowledge and pragmatism. Trustees undertook a wide search for that individual, and were unanimous in choosing Grant."

Dalton, an account by training and who in the offshore yacht racing arena has lead three Whitbread/Volvo Ocean Race teams has an excellent track record as a leader and his role, effectively as a replacement for the late Sir Peter Blake will give the Kiwi team new direction and focus.

Like Blake, Dalton will not skipper the boat, but will be responsible to the board for all Team actions and decisions.

Currently the report and assesment into why Team New Zealand lost the America's Cup is being finalised. Following this Dalton will focus upon whether a challenge for the 2007 Cup is realistic and will work out how to protect key members of the 2003 syndicate from being poached by other syndicates.

"My immediate priority is to retain core people," commented Dalton. "I have started this process and it should be completed within a few days. I am pleased to announce that Dean Barker has given me a commitment to stay with Team New Zealand as skipper. That is a very important starting point for the job that lies ahead over the next four years."

Ross Blackman will continue to lead the business of Team New Zealand and Tony Thomas will continue his involvement in fund raising. Tom Schnackenberg will also stay with the team. "Tom has been involved with the America’s Cup for 20 years and I am pleased he has agreed to continue," continued Dalton. "Retaining their expertise and experience is, I believe, of paramount importance.

"I still have much to learn about Team New Zealand but I am convinced that we can mount a successful challenge for the 2007 America’s Cup. We have a great depth of knowledge and experience and we can build from that established base. We have the continuing support of many sponsors and there is no doubt that the New Zealand public is still behind the team.

"A successful Team New Zealand is important for New Zealand. Holding the America’s Cup made Auckland the sailing capital of the world. It projected an image of New Zealand that promoted high-value tourism; it was good for our boat design, building and refurbishing industry. It was good business for the companies that provided goods and services to the syndicates and to the many thousands of people who came to watch the regatta.

"Team New Zealand gave us all pride in our achievements against the best in the world and I feel privileged to be involved."

Your feedback: Is this the right decision for Grant Dalton?