Australian Glenn Ashby is the first sailor to confirm his commitment to Team New Zealand if they mount another America's Cup challenge.
Experienced wingsail trimmer Ashby says he has turned down an approach from Australia's Hamilton Island Yacht Club to remain with Team NZ and potentially compete for the 35th America's Cup.
A government grant of $NZ5 million ($A4.56 million) has been directed towards retaining top Team NZ sailors and designers while private funding is sought to launch another campaign.
However, they are hamstrung as the date, venue and rules for the next regatta are still to be confirmed.
Ashby was in the Team NZ afterguard beaten 9-8 by holders Oracle in the America's Cup match off San Francisco in September.
The multiple world champion and Olympic silver medallist switched camps after being part of Oracle's successful challenge against Swiss syndicate Alinghi to claim the sport's oldest trophy in 2010.
The sail-world website reported the 36-year-old told an audience at a function at the World Cup regatta in Melbourne this week that he is staying put.
He said he had been approached by challengers of record HIYC to join their confirmed Team Australia campaign but declined as he had already signed with Team NZ.
