Peter and Blaire are both prepared and looking forward to the race, now in its 69th year.

Being awarded Sir Bernard Fergusson Trophy award for the Yachting New Zealand's Sailor of the Year by former winner Sir Russell Coutts (left) was a special moment for Peter and Blair.

"We completed a Survival-at-Sea course a couple of weeks ago with Al Gywer from SeaWise which taught us a lot and has helped keep our families reassured," says Peter.

Peter and Blair will be racing each other on separate boats in the event - Blair is on 'Zefiro' a Farr 100 and Peter is on 'Pretty Fly III' a canting keel Cookson 50.

The duo were unbeaten in the 49ers this year including winning the 49er Worlds and 49er Europeans champs, plus winning the inaugural Red Bull Youth America's Cup.

Recently Peter was awarded the Supreme award at the Bay of Plenty Sports Awards and Blair at the Northland and Far North Sports Awards.

Peter says what they achieved this year took a lot of hard work - "not only from us, but also the team around us".

"It was good to have our family and most of our team at the awards and also to have all the other sailors who have done so well this year - including NZL Sailing Team's two other Olympic class world champion crews."

Peter and Blair are looking forward to the 49er nationals and Sail Auckland at Akarana in January and February 2014.

Peter says the 2014 A-class Worlds in Takapuna in February look likely to have an assortment of the world's top sailors competing also.

"We've been training hard both in the 49er and our A-class catamarans. A-class guru Glenn Ashby has also been out in his cat which has made for some great training."