London Olympics winner, ISAF Roleh Athlete of the Year, multiple World Champion... Mat Belcher is behind all these titles. A classy athlete, calm and collected, according to his peers, he is ideally suited for his role as skipper of the Australian team at the next America's Cup.
The team will train on the «little sister of», the AC45 which was launched today in the Port of Sydney.
Belcher will be competing in the «America's Cup» for the first time and has not previously competed in such large boats (preferring twin boats). It's questionable, although the status of one of the most successful sailors of modern times lends confidence to both Belcher and the team. Belcher has four World Championship titles, 18 won regattas between 2011 and 2014, and Olympic gold.
It remains to be seen how the Australians will combine their ambitious plans for the America's Cup «» with equally ambitious plans for the Summer Olympics in Rio.
Recall that last fall the Hamilton Island Yacht Club of Queensland, Australia, led by local wine magnate Bob Otley, challenged the American syndicate. Later it became known that Ian Murray, with 45 years of yachting experience, would be appointed as Team Principal.
«The regulations for the thirty-fifth America's Cup» will be announced in March.
