New Zealand’s sailing community is mourning the loss of one of its greats after the death of three-time America’s Cup winner Matt Mitchell. 

The 53-year-old passed away in Auckland last week after a battle with cancer, leaving behind a legacy that runs from grassroots sailing through to international triumphs.

Mitchell competed in six America’s Cup campaigns, winning sailing’s most prestigious prize with three different teams: Team New Zealand in 2000, Alinghi in 2007, and Oracle Team USA in 2013.

His victory with Oracle in San Francisco remains one of the most iconic in the sport’s history. The American syndicate, trailing Team New Zealand 8-1, staged an extraordinary comeback to win 9-8 and retain the Auld Mug.

Mitchell was known not only for his achievements but also for his character, versatility, and deep love for sailing.

‘He was just a natural yachtie, and he could do anything on the boat,’ said lifelong friend and fellow sailor Craig Satterthwaite. 

New Zealand sailing champion Matt Mitchell has tragically died from cancer aged just 53

Mitchell competed in six America’s Cup and claimed victory in three of them, with three different teams

‘He was a bowman in the America’s Cup, a mid-bow, a top Zephyr sailor, and he won a handful of nationals with us on the 5.9.’

Satterthwaite, who shared a long friendship with Mitchell from Playcentre to world championships, said his composure under pressure set him apart. ‘Even in an absolute shit fight, he was laser-focused on doing his job.’

Boating New Zealand described Mitchell as a ‘grassroots hero’ and ‘legendary character,’ noting his contributions stretched far beyond elite competition.

New Zealand sailing legend Murray Jones paid tribute to Mitchell’s honesty, work ethic, and passion for the sport. 

‘I had a huge amount of respect for Matt because he always kept it real,’ Jones said.

”He had a balanced view on things and wasn’t afraid to say it as it was.’

Jones recalled a moment during a high-stakes J Class race when Mitchell’s frankness stood out. 

‘I made a mistake and really screwed it up. Matt usually called me “Captain”, but that day he said, ‘C’mon, Jones, we’re better than that!’ That was just how Matt was.’

Mitchell (pictured) has been remembered as a generous and loyal friend in addition to his stellar skills as a sailor 

Beyond international success, Mitchell was instrumental in reviving the Zephyr class, one of New Zealand’s oldest dinghy fleets. 

Respected coach and race official Harold Bennett credited Mitchell with breathing new life into the class.

‘He came up through grassroots sailing and hit the big time,’ said Bennett. ‘He had some very clear ideas about what needed to happen with the boats, and many of those ideas were implemented and remain today.’

In a fitting final gesture, Mitchell passed his beloved restored Zephyr on to Bennett’s daughter, Carla, ensuring the boat’s future and honouring the sport he loved.

Despite his illness, Mitchell never gave up on the water. Satterthwaite recalled one of their final races together in New Plymouth last year. 

‘Matty was a tough bastard, and he sailed with us even though you could tell he wasn’t a hundy.  He loved people, and he loved sailing – right till the end,’ Satterthwaite said. 

‘That’s the thing with Matt. Once you were with him, you were with him for life.’

Jones visited Mitchell shortly before Christmas at his Gulf Harbour home. Though his health had declined, his love for family and the ocean never faded.

Mitchell leaves a legacy in the boat-making business he had established prior to his passing

‘Family was super important to him,’ Jones said.

‘He stepped back from competitive sailing to spend more time with Andrea and his boys, Sam and Balin. Even in his final months, he still got out on his launch with them, and I know he loved it.’

Mitchell’s humour and dry wit were also legendary among his peers. 

‘We had a colossal amount of fun, even in the biggest pressure moments,’ Satterthwaite said.

‘Matty would still be taking the piss as we approached the bottom mark with 400 square metres of spinnaker to drop in five seconds.

‘New Zealand sailing has lost one of its greats,’ Boating New Zealand said in a statement.

‘From intense America’s Cup races to the revitalisation of the Zephyr fleet, Matt’s legacy is massive.’

Mitchell’s funeral service will be held at the Royal Akarana Yacht Club next Tuesday at 2pm.