There's a Team New Zealand America's Cup vibe to the Swedish SailGP team debuting at the season-opener in Perth this weekend

Driver Nathan Outteridge, wing trimmer Chris Draper and flight controller Andy Maloney have all made the leap to the new syndicate.

But they retain their links to Team New Zealand ahead of their defence of the Auld Mug next year in Italy.

Peter Burling has departed Team New Zealand, with friction over the time he was poised to devote to the Black Foils Sail GP team that he is also the CEO of.

Outteridge says the Team New Zealand management is happy with the balance.



And there will only be 12 boats competing in Perth, after the Spanish team pulled out ... their boat was damaged in yesterday's practice session and a couple of sailors were in doubt for the weekend with injuries.