The tactician’s touch
Few sailors carry the weight of history quite like Brad Butterworth. Four America’s Cups, a Whitbread win, and decades at the sharp end of international competition — yet he greets the question of experience with a shrug.
“I DO THE JOB I ALWAYS DO,” HE SAYS SIMPLY.
Butterworth has been back on home waters this season as tactician on board Lucky, Bryon Ehrhart’s 27-metre Juan K maxi. Fresh from an ultra-fast Sydney to Auckland crossing, the crew are preparing for the PIC Coastal Classic 2025, New Zealand’s 119-mile offshore sprint from Auckland to Russell.
For Butterworth, it’s a return to familiar territory in every sense — the coastline, the crew, and the rhythm of racing in his own backyard.
Tasman test
The Sydney to Auckland Ocean Race threw plenty at the fleet: headwinds, squalls and sharp seas. Lucky handled it all with composure, taking a commanding lead that never faltered.
“IF YOU’VE LIVED LONG ENOUGH, YOU’VE SEEN THOSE CONDITIONS BEFORE,” BUTTERWORTH SAYS. “AND WORSE.”
The comment is pure Brad — calm understatement from a sailor who’s seen it all. He calls the crossing “wet and tough,” but credits the team’s preparation and focus.
“THE GUYS WERE VERY GOOD ON THIS BOAT. THE CONDITIONS SUITED US, BUT YOU STILL HAVE TO SAIL CLEANLY. THAT’S THE KEY.”
A steady hand
Owner Bryon Ehrhart describes Butterworth as “the CEO of the campaign” — a tactician whose influence goes far beyond calling the breeze. Onboard, his role is part strategist, part mentor, and part ballast of calm when things get lively.
“OFFSHORE RACING CAN GET EMOTIONAL,” EHRHART SAYS. “BRAD’S THE REASON EVERYONE STAYS COMPOSED.”
It’s a description that fits. Butterworth has built a reputation not through speeches or self-promotion, but through steadiness. When the breeze turns fluky or the sea gets confused, he’s the one who quietly keeps the boat on her feet.
Racing at home
The PIC Coastal Classic will be Butterworth’s next outing, and while he’s too experienced to make bold predictions, there’s a spark of excitement in his voice when he talks about it.
“IF WE GET THE RIGHT CONDITIONS, WE’D HAVE A GOOD CHANCE AT THE RECORD,” HE SAYS. “BUT WE’LL JUST SEE WHAT THE DAY BRINGS.”
He’ll sail with the same mix of international and Kiwi crew who raced the Tasman, including “a few mates — local mates,” as he puts it. For someone who’s spent years on the world stage, there’s clear pleasure in sailing with familiar faces on home turf.
“THE COASTAL’S A SPECIAL RACE. IT’S QUICK, TACTICAL, AND THE SCENERY’S HARD TO BEAT. EVERYONE HERE HAS A STORY ABOUT IT.”
Beyond the headlines
After the Coastal Classic, Butterworth will head across the Tasman again for the Rolex Sydney to Hobart 2025, another race he knows well. It’s a demanding calendar, but one that still excites him.
He’ll then return to Waiheke Island, where he spends most summers — fishing, sailing, and keeping out of the spotlight.
Asked whether he still studies forecasts before every race, he laughs.
“I DON’T USUALLY. YOU GET A FEEL FOR IT. AFTER A WHILE, YOU JUST LOOK AT THE SKY AND KNOW.”
It’s an answer that captures Butterworth perfectly: experienced, intuitive, and content to let results, not words, speak for themselves.
The enduring influence
Even as younger tacticians dominate the modern foiling scene, Butterworth remains one of sailing’s most trusted minds. He’s not chasing headlines — he’s mentoring new talent, guiding campaigns, and helping owners like Ehrhart make the most of powerful boats in complex races.
He speaks little of legacy, but his influence threads through generations of sailors who grew up watching him win the America’s Cup and then returned home to find him still racing alongside them.
“IT’S GOOD TO BE BACK HERE,” HE SAYS SIMPLY. “THESE ARE MY WATERS.”
