The appointment of the 31-year-old was unveiled along with the team's boat – an AC45 catamaran – at Woolwich Dock in Sydney today.

Belcher, who took gold in the 470 class at London 2012 and is a four-times world champion, will be making his debut in the historic race, as the Australian boat attempts to win the competition for the first time since 1983 when John Bertrand skippered the Australia II yacht to victory.

Belcher picked up the 2013 International Sailing Federation (ISAF) World Sailor of the Year award after securing a fourth consecutive world title with team-mate Will Ryan in France, while the duo also claimed the European 470 class crown.

"I'm humbled and excited by this honour," said Belcher, who will combine his America's Cup commitments with trying to defend his Olympic title at Rio 2016.

"It's an incredible opportunity and I'm looking forward to the journey, coming aboard and working together with the crew to bring the Cup back to Australia.

"I have no doubt that I can combine my Olympic goal of winning another gold medal with my America's Cup involvement.

"I have the support of the Australian Sailing Team, our coach Victor Kovalenko, as well as of my crew mate Will Ryan."

Team Australia go through their paces in Sydney Harbour today ©AFP/Getty Images



While the final line-up of the team is yet to be finalised, Belcher will be joined on the boat by 23-year-old David Gilmour who is a fellow member of the Australia Sailing Squad.

Seve Jarvin, Sam Newton, Ed Smyth, Try Tindill, Will McCarthy and Wade Morgan will form part of an initial crew that will take part in training runs from now until June in Sydney Harbour against defending champions Team Oracle USA, led by last year's winning skipper, Aussie Tom Slingsby.

"As a country, we've proven we can produce some of the best sailors in the world, and now it's our turn to build an all-Aussie winning team skippered by one of most awarded Australian sailors," said Team Australia chief executive Iain Murray, who suggested at today's official launch that the crew will consist mainly of promising young Australian sailors.

"Mat is a remarkable example of an elite athlete and one of the most accomplished sailors that Australia has ever produced."

Team Australia is being bankrolled by Bob Oatley's Hamilton Island Yacht Club and is the challenger of record for the 35th America's Cup, giving it the right to help decide the rules and location for the event.

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