Barker to challenge for Cup again
AUCKLAND: The New Zealander Dean Barker will challenge for another America’s Cup.
He has been confirmed as the helmsman of American Magic, the New York Yacht Club’s team for the 36th America’s Cup in Auckland in 2021.
American Magic executive director and skipper Terry Hutchinson announced the appointment on sailing website Scuttlebutt.
Barker (45) moved to the United States after last year’s event in Bermuda and will stay there to fulfil the residency criteria for the next Cup. The American outfit has also signed fellow New Zealanders Joe Spooner, Jim Turner and Sean Clarkson.
Barker recently sailed on the team’s Congressional Cup boat and Hutchinson said ‘‘he’s someone I have a heap of respect for’’.
Barker was first involved in the America’s Cup in 1995 as a training member of Team New Zealand and last year skippered Team Japan in Bermuda.
Speaking to Newsroom’s Suzanne McFadden, Barker said he was excited about the opportunity to compete in Auckland again.
‘‘It’s been quite some time since I’ve been home. It’s going to be great to get back there and race again. Obviously it’s an area that’s dear to my heart; it’s where I did all my sailing growing up.
‘‘To sail for the New York Yacht Club is a special thing, and I’m really thankful for the opportunity to be involved,’’ Barker said.
‘‘I love the thrill of the sailing and the racing, and all the elements that go with it,’’ he said of the America’s Cup.
‘‘Developing a team, designing and building a boat, and all the challenges that you’re faced with. It’s not as simple as just putting a boat in the water and going sailing. It’s intriguing and enjoyable at the same time.’’ — NZME