SAP’s purpose has always been to help the world run better and improve people’s lives. As an organisation, we support change makers, ground breakers, and life savers. As part of our mission to elevate these visionaries, SAP has recently secured a sponsorship of New Zealand sailors and world champions, Blair Tuke and Peter Burling.
According to Blair, partnering with SAP was a natural fit since both are focused on technology, innovation, and elevating performance. “It’s what we do day-in, day-out – trying to always make the boat go faster, figure out quicker ways of getting it around the racetrack,” he explained. “Always innovate, try, and learn fast in our position.”
Peter shares Blair’s enthusiasm for the new sponsorship. “it’s great to finally partner with SAP,” he said. “They’re a pretty amazing company – they’ve got technology at their core and are really pushing the boundaries of what can be done. There’s a lot of incredible synergies between the two of us, and we’re really starting to look at ways to use SAP’s suite of technology to improve our efficiency.”
As the pair train in the lead up to the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, they’ve faced some crucial races that provided excellent opportunity to test their abilities. One such race was the International 49er at Waitemata in the Hauraki Gulf. Blair and Peter recently won this event, making it their fifth world title and an excellent opportunity to garner more local support for their Olympic journey.
SAP’s comprehensive technology solutions instantly attracted Peter and Blair to the brand, along with the company’s shared values of innovation and competing at the highest level. Managing Director of SAP NZ, Phil Cameron recognises the common goals and vision shared by SAP and the two yachting stars. “Our shared values of innovation and competing at the highest level were the key factors in initiating the partnership, and we have an exciting year ahead supporting the boys for their 2020 Tokyo Olympic campaign.”
Peter and Blair admit they’ve been impressed with SAP’s commitment to helping partners and customers run their best so they can stay in front of the competition. Blair noted that SAP’s work with the Graeme Dingle Foundation and Akina Foundation aligns with his and Peter’s commitment to being role models for New Zealand youth and inspiring others to achieve greatness.
“The work SAP do is the same in New Zealand with organisations, particularly with the Graeme Dingle foundation – inspiring kids to be the best that they can be,” Blair explained. “That really resonates strongly with Pete and I.”
SAP has been a proud supporter of the Graeme Dingle Foundation for years, providing Career Navigator workshops for New Zealand high schoolers. “SAP and Graeme Dingle seem to have built quite a strong working relationship,” said John Valentine, Product Manager for SAP. “In a sense, giving back to the community that helps us to thrive and trying to help other people along their way.”
Blair and Peter say they look forward to the partnership flourishing throughout their Olympic journey, hoping to see more support, more technology, and more innovation enter the world of competitive sailing.
This article originally published on Linkedin
