Bob Fisher Opinion

How much similarity is there between o shore, America’s Cup and Olympic sailing? Peter Burling and Blair Tuke are weighing in on the debate

All types of sailboat racing have a similar form, utilising the same techniques, and similar strategies, whether it be for the Olympics, America’s Cup or round the world races. Those who have scored at the highest level in all the forms of the sport confirm these statements.

One might have thought that Peter Burling and Blair Tuke, the helmsman and foil trimmer of Emirates Team New Zealand’s Cup winner and 49er Olympic gold medallists, would be at an initial disadvantage as newcomers to the Volvo Ocean Race. But Burling, who joined Bouwe Bekking’s Brunel crew, and Tuke who is on Xabi Fernandez’ team on board Mapfre insist otherwise.

Blair says: “I sailed the America’s Cup doing specifically one job. It was a really refined, key role... This is a step back, more like sailing the 49er. The [Volvo Ocean 65] boats are all one design. But how you set them up makes a difference. I have been with Mapfre for a couple of months and enjoyed the challenge.”