The next batch of New Zealand sailors have been named to this year's Paris Olympics with the duo challenged to continue the legacy of the 49er boat formerly sailed by two-time gold medallists Peter Burling and Blair Tuke included.
Isaac McHardie and Will McKenzie have earned their Olympic debuts with selection this morning in the 49er. Experienced campaigners Molly Meech and Jo Aleh were also named in the 49er FX.
"Being selected for the Olympics is a dream come true and we are honoured to represent New Zealand on sailing's biggest stage," McHardie said.
The pair hoped to continue where Burling and Tuke left off in Tokyo when they line up in Marseille, where the Olympic sailing will be contested from July 28 to August 8.
Isaac McHardie and Will McKenzie have earned Olympic debuts with selection this morning in the 49er — a boat that has had plenty of success for New Zealand in recent times. (Source: 1News)
"We grew up watching Pete and Blair achieve incredible results in the class and we appreciate their willingness to share some of their experience and advice with us and other teams through the years," McKenzie said.
"They have left big shoes to fill but we are confident that, with the support of our amazing coaches and the rest of the New Zealand Olympic team, we can do them and the country proud in Marseille."
In a surprise to most at this morning's NZOC announcement, Tuke and Burling appeared midway through to show their support for the duo.
After congratulating their successors, Tuke and Burling — who weren't part of this year's Olympics to focus on their defence of the America's Cup with Team New Zealand — said they were proud of the two.
"The effort they've put in, not only the last three years but the last six to eight years is hugely special and a proud moment for them," Tuke said.
"And for us two, to be here and see them step up, to earn the fern — it's an incredibly important milestone to reach for them in their ultimate goal coming in a few months time."
While this year's sailing team wouldn't feature Burling and Tuke, Meech and Aleh would provide plenty of valuable experience.
Aleh was headed to her fourth Olympics having previously won gold in the women's 470 class with Polly Powrie in London in 2012, and silver four years later in Rio.
She teamed up with Meech, who would be attending her third Games, in early 2022 after taking a five-year break from competitive sailing.
"Having started my Olympic journey in the Laser Radial (ILCA 6) back in Beijing, I’m happy to be sailing a faster boat each time and I am absolutely loving taking on the 49erFX with Molly and the challenge it brings," Aleh said.
"After watching from the coach boat in Tokyo [where she coached Wilkinson and Dawson], I am looking forward to being back on the racecourse and doing what I love."
The quartet was announced at a ceremony this morning at the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron in Auckland and join Tom Saunders (ILCA 7), Micah Wilkinson and Erica Dawson (Nacra 17), and Veerle ten Have and Josh Armit (windfoil), as sailors named to the New Zealand Team.
New Zealand could yet add more sailors to the team in the kiteboarding, ILCA 6, and 470 classes, although it was becoming increasingly more difficult to do so.
Spots would be up for grabs at the Last Chance Regatta being held in Hyeres, France at the end of this month.
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