The regatist, who has a great relationship with Xabi Fernández, is 27 years old occupying a square of under-30 (Photo María Muiña)

The Mapfre announced this Friday one of the most sound records of the current edition of the Volvo Ocean Race: that of Blair Tuke. The New Zealand regatist comes from winning the American Cup with the New Zealand just a few days ago, so he is still hastening the celebrations in his country, just ten months after he took the Olympic gold in Brazil.

The boat with which the Olympic champion, the 49th, was proclaimed has been the key element that has led to Blair Tuke's registration by the Spanish team. The patron of the Mapfre, Xabi Fernández, also took the Olympic gold in the same discipline, with which he has shared many experiences with his new crew in recent years.

Xabi explains the origin of his relationship. "We met Blair in 2010, when he started sailing with Peter Burling, in the last World Cup we did. Then, when we were in Auckland in 2012 with the Volvo Ocean Race, on the rest days we trained with them in the 49er thinking of the JJ.OO. in London. They left us a boat. Already in the next edition of the world round, with the MAPHRE and in 2015, he was with us. He sailed on a ProAm and the day of departure was our 'jumper' [guest who goes on board during the buoy tour of each stage exit and who before sailing towards the open sea jumps from the boat] where he already told us his desire to compete in the Volvo '"He says the gipuzcoan.

Tuke will also hold one of the two places under-30, for children under 30, as it is 27 years old.