Burling dodges Barker saga

Tauranga sailor Peter Burling is steering clear of the rough waters surrounding the axing of Dean Barker as Team New Zealand skipper.

Last week Burling and Team NZ's 2013 trimmer Glenn Ashby, who was appointed sailing director, were announced as co-helmsmen, taking over from Barker.


Emirates Team New Zealand's Peter Burling (in focus). Photo: Supplied.

Speaking to TV One's Breakfast, the 24-year-old says his and his teammate Blair Tuke's focus has always been to concentrate on the Olympic side of sailing and improving their own skills in the 49er.

The pair are Olympic silver medallists and world champions in the 49er fleet, while Burling won the Moth World Championships earlier this year.

The pair still remain one of New Zealand's strong medal hopes heading into the 2106 Olympic Games in Rio de Janiero.

'Obviously a fair bit has been going on, but we have been trying to ensure we have been improving our skills in the 49er,” says Burling.

'It doesn't really affect us. When we signed up a year-and-a-half ago it was a possibility we might get this opportunity and we are really grateful for it and looking forward to the future.”

Last week brought a wave of speculation that Barker was set to be replaced – rumours that were denied by Team New Zealand at the time and described as 'inaccurate”.

Barker was involved in the review and restructuring process and has been offered the roles of Performance Manager and Sailing Coach, along with a place on the executive committee.

Barker skippered Team NZ boats in four America's Cups. He helmed the fifth and final race of the successful cup defence in 2000, as well as skippering the unsuccessful defence in 2003 and unsuccessful challenges in 2007 and 2013.

'They have done a lot of work since San Fran to review and I don't think anyone is really surprised there are some changes going on down there,” says Burling.

'And we are just really looking forward to getting on with it and putting the hammer down and try and bring it [the America's Cup] home.”

Tauranga Boys' College principal Robert Mangan told SunLive the school is very proud of old boy Burling now that he's reached the 'esteemed heights” of Team NZ helmsman.

'During his time at the college, Peter showed glimpses of being a promising sailor with a strong passion and desire to succeed,” says Robert.

Robert says while at the college, Burling was an outstanding role model to his fellow pupils, holding the position of sports captain in 2008 and representing NZ in the Beijing Olympics in the same year.

'Sailing has been his passion for a long period of time,” he adds, 'and he has been a fantastic role model for those while he was a student here and since he left school.

'So we will be following his further development with real interest and real pride.”

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