MATTHEW SHEAHAN

IF USING AN ENGINE IS ‘CHEATING’, WHAT ABOUT AN ELECTRICAL ‘BOOST’? ONE OF THE LAST TENETS OF RACING UNDER SAIL IS ABOUT TO BE CHALLENGED

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If you ride an e-bike you'll be used to being called a cheat. You'll also be familiar with the way opinion has polarised in the cycling world on their benefits versus downfalls, particularly where there has been criticism from walkers who blame e-powered mountain bike riders for ripping up the countryside.

But what a game-changer they are, allowing you to explore further afield while making it more fun for those who'd otherwise be at the back of the pack.

Now, think about what might happen if sailing went down a similar route? If we thought that the foiling debate had stirred things up, just wait until the issue of powered race boats gets under the sailing public’s skin.

Because the next hot topic that the racing world looks set to grapple with is arguably even bigger. How much power can you use aboard a boat before it strays beyond the definition of sailing? Should electrical assistance be allowed at all? Some will doubtless argue that we shouldn't even be talking about how much, as any assistance from power while racing is wrong.