Peter Burling: 'Step backwards' if Team NZ move away from foiling catamarans

Peter Burling steers Team New Zealand during the America's Cup. Photo / AP

America's Cup winning helsman Peter Burling hopes Team New Zealand persist with foiling catamarans for the next America's Cup.

The new holders will unveil their protocols for the Cup in September where the venue, design type and nationality clause will be finalised.

There has been talk the Cup could return to more traditional monohulls, but Burling wants to race in something fast.

Burling has told Radio Sport that he's confident Team New Zealand will come up with a class for America's Cup 36 that will advance the event.

"I'm happy as long as it goes fast. It would be a bit of a shame to take a step backwards in terms of the speeds the boats can generate. I'm pretty sure we can come up with a rule that can keep pushing that forward," Burling said.

Burling is also a fan of a bigger nationality clause.

"This time we had a very small nationality clause but definitely for me it seems like something that has got to be as part of the America's Cup. It is a friendly competition between nations and the Deed of Gift is a big part of it. I'm in favour of the nationality clause but I'm not too sure how harsh it's going to be yet, as to what percentage it breaks out at, but it's all part of the fun and games over the next little while."

Burling finished second at the Moth world championships in Italy overnight after heading into the event with little preparation following Team New Zealand's victorious America's Cup in Bermuda.

Burling had his worst performance of the regatta on the final day with a fifth, 23rd and a 17th in Lake Garda.

"It was something I haven't really put a whole heap of effort in to but I've had a really fun week up here in Lake Garda. It was one of the main reasons I came back up - to get yachting again and have a bit of fun. It's pleasing to walk away with a second, still a little bit frustrating when you know with a bit more practice you could have had a better shot at winning it. Considering the quality of the field, I'm really happy with the second," Burling told Radio Sport.

"I think I ran out of steam a little bit. Probably our tour over in NZ after the Cup probably wasn't the best preparation for a world champs."

Burling said he have a few days rest before deciding whether he'll take part in the Volvo Ocean race which starts in October. Team New Zealand teammate and fellow Olympic gold medallist Blair Tuke has already signed up for the race around the world, joining Spanish team MAPFRE.

"Definitely got some decisions to make over the next little while. I'll just try and wait until a few dates are locked in for the Cup and make sure I make the right decision. Definitely got plenty of options at the moment. Just trying to take my time and make sure I make a good decision."