Peter Burling and Blair Tuke are itching to test themselves on the international stage again

The pair have returned to the 49er boat to begin preparations to defend their Olympic title at next year's Games in Tokyo.

Tuke says they have been racing together in local events, but can't wait until their first test against European crews at Mallorca in Spain in April.

He says the locals regattas are good but they are really just a tune up, and they want to hit the ground running in Europe.