America's Cup - Burling and Tuke to step off ETNZ for ACWS Portsmouth

by Richard Gladwell, Sail-World.com NZL on 12 Jul 2016 Two key names are missing from the Emirates Team New Zealand crew list for the America's Cup World Series in Portsmouth from July 22-24.

Helmsman Peter Burling will be replaced by skipper Glenn Ashby and crew member Blair Tuke will also be joining Burling as they build up to the 49er event in the 2016 Sailing Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, which start on August 8, 2016.

It is not clear who will be on the AC45 One Design for the Portsmouth Regatta, the team has listed 10 sailors of which it can use five in the regatta. Tactician in the 2013 America's Cup, Ray Davies is expected to take over Ashby's role as tactician/trimmer - as he did duringa crew swap out in the 2013 Louis Vuitton Cup.

The New Zealand team will be fighting to retain or extend its ten point lead in the series - which will be difficult with two teams tied on second place, and without two key crew members. All other teams including those who have not advised their team members are expected to sail with their existing combinations. Artemis Racing, with Burling and Tuke's 49er rivals Nathan Outteridge and Iain Jensen as skipper and crew, have elected not to pull the 2012 Olympic Gold medalists from the ACWS in Portsmouth.

Of the newer faces in the crew list -

Guy Endean is a sailor who has been involved with the team as a boat builder for a while. he moved into the sailing team after winning the Youth AC with Peter Burling in 2013. He is listed in the team profiles as a Grinder.

Sam Bell is a match racer who used to sail with new WRMT World Champion, Phil Robertson. He is listed in the team profiles as a Grinder.

Carlo Huisman is a regular on the RC44 circuits. He is listed in the team profiles as a Grinder.

Jack Taylor is a long-standing Emirates Team NZ crew member - listed in the team profiles as being part of the on-shore operations.

Ricky Bray is listed in the team profiles as a Boat Builder.

Joe Sullivan - 2012 Olympic Gold medalist in Rowing and also the winner of three Gold medals in 30 minutes at the 2002 Maadi Cup in Twizel in U-17 and U-19 events when rowing for minnows Queen Charlotte College, Picton. He is listed in the team profiles as a Grinder.

For full Emirates Team New Zealand profiles click here