Barker linked to Japanese cup bid

Dean Barker has been linked to a new Japanese America’s Cup syndicate, expected to be announced next week.

An Asian entry has long been touted and it appears the decision to downscale the boats and cut costs for the 2017 regatta has landed Japanese interest, backed by billionaire banker Masoyashi Son.

The Independent newspaper in Britain speculated that the new syndicate ‘‘will see not only a Japanese skipper but the appearance of former Team New Zealand skipper Dean Barker in the lineup’’.

Barker was controversially dumped as helmsman by Team New Zealand who have placed their faith in Australian Glenn Ashby and rising Kiwi talent Peter Burling to take the wheel.

Barker’s experience in the foiling catamarans and 20 years in the America’s Cup game would be a huge boost to any new syndicate.

With several one-design elements featuring on the new 48-foot catamarans, a lot of the technology advantages have been evened out, bringing the racing more into the hands of the sailors.

The 42-year-old Barker has insisted he still has a future in America’s Cup racing and a wellbacked Japanese challenge would certainly be appealing.

The team is tipped to be backed by Softbank who were founded by Masoyashi Son, their current chief executive. His wealth is estimated to be US$22 billion (NZ$29b), making him Japan’s wealthiest man.

Earlier this week Sir Russell Coutts, the America’s Cup Event Authority boss, suggested the current lineup of five teams, including Team New Zealand, were set to be boosted by late entries.

‘‘I think we will definitely see other teams coming in because of the boat change, and I can tell you there’s a Japanese team coming in, and when you see who the owner of that team is, you would debate whether it’s bigger or smaller than Luna Rossa,’’ Coutts told the New York Times in dismissing the recent loss of regular Italian challengers Luna Rossa.

The Independent suggested Coutts and his Oracle boss Larry Ellison will attend the signing of the Japanese entry which is backed by the Kansai Yacht Club.

The Japanese are expected to use the same design package from Cup holders Oracle Team USA that has been handed to struggling outfit Team France.

That would give them foil design as well as the one design platform (hull, wingsail and crossbeams) to help them in their catchup efforts.

There are also suggestions that some of Oracle’s large sailing squad from the successful defence of the America’s Cup in 2013 could be used by Japan.

Japan have contested three America’s Cups – in 1992, 1995 and 2000.

They have strong New Zealand connections.

Kiwi Chris Dickson skippered their 1992 challenge in San Diego where they reached the semifinals of the Louis Vuitton Cup.

At the 1995 regatta in San Diego, New Zealander John Cutler was at the helm of the Japanese challenge that also ended at the semifinal stage.