Tom Schnackenberg is leaving Team New Zealand. The high profile designer and former syndicate head says the expansion of the team's design capability means many of the functions he once performed are now being done by other people.

Team New Zealand Managing Director Grant Dalton says the board decided his role had diminished to the extent that it was best for him to leave.

It was in April 2003 that the veteran New Zealand America's Cup sailor reaffirmed his commitment to Team New Zealand for any future challenges for the Auld Mug.

Schnackenberg is practically unique in the yachting world because he is a principal participant in three landmark Australasian America's Cup victories, beginning with his technical expertise which contributed to the victory of Australia II in 1983, the first time the prize left America for 132 years.

As design-team coordinator and navigator he was a key member of the Team New Zealand line-up which won the America's Cup in 1995 and 2000.

Grant Dalton says Schnackenberg is acknowledged as one of the icons of the America's Cup and helped hold the team together after the defections following the 2000 defence.