Outteridge set for debut as Korea’s skipper

SAN DIEGO (AP) ― With its fast catamarans, the newfangled America’s Cup is a perfect fit for young adrenaline junkie Nathan Outteridge.

Just 26 and headed for his second Olympics in the 49er class, the Australian will make his debut as Team Korea’s skipper when the first season of the America’s Cup World Series resumes Wednesday in Naples, Italy.

“It’s something I didn’t think would happen so soon,” the Aussie said in a phone interview from Italy.

Nathan Outteridge (AP-Yonhap News)

“I wanted to get involved, but I figured I’d try to get through a couple of Olympic games and make the transition in 10 years time, not when I’m 26. It’s a great opportunity and that’s why I took it. As long as it doesn’t impact what I do in next few months and the games, I can’t see how it’s bad for me in any way.”

Outteridge hadn’t even sailed in an AC45 catamaran when he signed on with Team Korea’s White Tiger Challenger to replace Chris Draper, who jumped to Italy’s Luna Rossa Challenge. Outteridge got his hands on the tiller of the 45-foot, wing-sailed craft for the first time during training last week.

“It was pretty cool,” Outteridge said. “There wasn’t a lot of wind, but it’s pretty impressive when you can still get up and fly a hull in that wind strength. I think I’m going to enjoy taking it up for sure. The way they perform compared to other boats, it’s going to be quite an enjoyable thing to do.”