I’ll give it hell, vows Burling
Rookie skipper Peter Burling is promising to ‘‘give it hell’’ in Team New Zealand’s quest to win back the America’s Cup.
The Kiwis are set to open their campaign in Bermuda this morning, NZ time, lining out against Team France and defenders Oracle Team USA.
At 26, the gifted Burling is the youngest helmsman among the six teams. With only skipper Glenn Ashby surviving from the San Francisco meltdown four years ago, it’s a new-look crew.
They carry no Cup baggage and are taking a fearless approach to their sailing on the Great Sound.
‘‘We’re a bunch of really young guys that are really enthusiastic and on a pretty steep learning curve. I think that is something that we do bring to the table – that we learn and adapt really, really fast. These boats are different and evolve every day,’’ Burling said.
Burling likes the radical boat under his control as the Kiwis’ cycling grinding system sets them apart in terms of added power for stability while foiling. He’s determined to make the most of it.
‘‘Our shore team has put us in a really good spot to be able to go out there and throw the boat around and give it hell,’’ Burling said.
Ashby likes the feel of his crew headed by Olympic 49er champions Burling and Blair Tuke.
‘‘They are very, very talented young guys and they certainly have the skills we need to sail these type of boats very accurately,’’ Ashby said. ‘‘You need to be aggressive and yet defensive when you need to be, but also have the ability to be able to put these boats around the track well.’’ Team NZ’s new tricks