New Zealand emerged victorious in the prestigious BMW Sailing Cup world final in Italy overnight (NZ time).

The crew of "Triple 8" skippered by Graeme Sutherland pipped Italian opponents 3-2 in the final of the eight-team amateur keelboat event at Laka Garda in northern Italy.

Through the four-day regatta they also saw off the challenge of crews from Denmark, France, Great Britain, Malta and Spain.

The New Zealand crew of Sutherland, trimmers Roger Pagani, Josh Puckey and Sam Bell, and bowman Nick Bastow qualified by winning a qualifying event off Auckland in March.

The previous winners were Spain off Valencia in 2007 and Germany off Dubai last year.

- NZPA