Count Tom Slingsby in as a fan of Team New Zealand's innovative America's Cup boat design.
The 'Auld Mug' holders have released concept footage of the boats that will compete for the 36th Cup in three-years.
Slingsby, who was part of Team Oracle's successful campaign in 2013, believes the monohull unveiled will revolutionise sailing.
"It looks amazing," Slingsby told Newshub.
"I had got a few tipoffs as to what it may look like - yeah it just looks like an amazing boot and I think it will be pretty fast."
The Australian was aboard Oracle earlier this year when they were well beaten by Peter Burling and his New Zealand crew.
The 33-year-old said he was surprised to hear that Team New Zealand expects the AC75 to be faster than those which were sailed in Bermuda.
"The boats in Bermuda were pretty efficient," Slingsby said.
"During the America's Cup match we didn't have over 10 knots (of wind) but we still got up to over 40 knots in boat speed.
"If they can do that then all props go to them (Team New Zealand) ... impressive."
Slingsby, who is working hard to generate enough funds to launch an Australian bid at the Cup, believes his former boss would be excited by what Team New Zealand has presented.
American billionaire Larry Ellison had indicated that he would move on from America's Cup racing after the loss in June.
However Slingsby thinks he may get that itch back.
"I haven't spoken to Larry - but it is a radical design and he loves pushing the limits and this is definitely along his line of thinking.
"I'm not saying he will be there, I'm not saying he won't, but in my opinion he will think this boat is pretty cool."
The 2012 Olympic gold medallist also commended Team New Zealand for designing a boat that would bring the diehards back, while also appeasing new sailing fans who were enticed by the Formula One type event created by Oracle.
"More people sail monohulls than multihulls - I think it's about 80 percent to 20 percent so this will appeal to a bigger audience.
"You can never take a backward step - Team New Zealand made it pretty clear that they wanted to race monohulls and I'm very glad they decided to push the limits of what we can do in our sport.
"It should be a success."
Slingsby said discussions with the Australian government and potential investors were progressing and he hoped to be able to announce a challenge come June 2018 when Team New Zealand's deadline expires.
Newshub.
