"It's disappointing, but with all the logistics involved, we're just a bit too far away for crews to travel over here. We don't think anything of it because we're used to travelling all the time, but [the distance] puts off a lot of people," said Aleh.
"It always makes it fun being lumped in with the guys, it kind of makes us even more determined to win in a way. If we can beat them it will show us we're on track."
After two and half months out of the boat - the longest break the pair have had since they teamed up in 2009 - Aleh expects their first regatta back will be challenging on the body. She said the focus for Powrie and herself is to be consistent as they begin their preparation for a busy regatta schedule over the European summer, building up to the ISAF world championships in Spain in September. "We typically always have one really terrible race every regatta, so we're trying to work on our consistency and avoid putting ourselves under pressure."
Despite there being no overseas entries in the 49er fleet, there will still be a lot of interest in whether young crew Marcus Hansen and Josh Porebski can challenge the formidable pairing of Burling and Tuke. Hansen and Porebski earned themselves selection to the NZL Sailing Team with a sixth place world championship finish back in 2012 when they were both just 19 years old. At last year's Worlds they secured silver at the 49er world championships and they would no doubt enjoy taking a victory from their senior training partners and NZL Sailing teammates.
Local rivalries will also be the feature of the Laser fleet, which has attracted 28 entries including three members of the NZL Sailing Team - Andy Maloney, Sam Meech and Thomas Saunders.