Dean Barker

[Source: RNZYS] The fourth and final day of the New Zealand Match Racing Championships was held in extremely frustrating conditions for the competitors and the Race Committee alike. A light southerly breeze prevailed for most of the day but was very shifty, so the volunteers aboard the mark laying boats work hard to maintain a fair and equal course.

The three remaining flights of the second round robin were completed in the morning, as the final charges for the four semi final places began. It was a tight contest between the leading six teams, and the day was sparked by an upsetting race for Dean Barker, when his winning streak was cut short by Ben Ainslie who beat him by 30 seconds. Rod Davis claimed a win over Adam Minoprio, whilst Laurie Jury beat Adrian Short, securing his spot in the semi finals. Minoprio fought back hard in the next flight, clawing a vital point back with an impressive win over Ben Ainslie. Minoprio then went onto beat Dean Barker in the following flight; however it wasn’t quite enough to see him through to the final four.

Phil Robertson’s last hopes of making the semi finals were dashed by Laurie Jury, who beat Phil and put him out of the running for the top four. With Rod Davis securing a spot in semis, the four teams were decided. Ainslie, Barker, Jury, and Davis were then to fight it out for the match racing title.

Barker won the first race of the semi finals against Jury, who put up a fight in the second race to equal the scores. However the third race saw Barker into the finals and it was Ben Ainslie who was going to match him. After defeating Rod Davis, Ainslie took his spot in the final two, and it was all on from there!

The petit finals and finals saw some close racing as teams battled to get the 1st and 3rd placing. Jury had two wins over Davis, putting him in third place overall, whilst Barker had three consecutive wins over Ainslie, giving him the Auckland Match Racing Cup and making him the 2008 New Zealand Match Racing Championships winner.

With a day to spare the regatta came to end, with a forecast of very light winds tomorrow, the Race Committee was pleased to complete two round robins, semi finals and finals within four days. A very successful event, and after four exhausting days, the sailors, umpires, race committee, and all the volunteers will sleep well tonight. We’re looking forward to another exciting regatta next year!

Original post by noreply@blogger.com (Valencia Sailing) and software by Elliott Back

[Source: RNZYS] Competitors were greeted with a fresh easterly breeze of 15 – 18 knots as they sailed out into the third day of the Match Racing Nationals. The heavier conditions made for exciting spectator viewing, as boat handling and crew work was critical to maintain control of the boats.

Another brilliant performance from Dean Barker today saw him leave the water with 17 wins, and is yet to lose a race. If anyone was to disturb this winning streak, it was the young team helmed by Phil Robertson, who really put the pressure on the Emirates Team New Zealand crew during the early stages of the day. After a very tight and exciting pre-start, both boats sailed neck and neck to the top mark, where Barker rounded in front by a mere three seconds. Robertson, known for his fast downwind sailing, managed to creep past Barker on the downwind leg, coming out just in front at the bottom mark. With only one leg to go, Barker fought his way back in front and extended his lead to a 12 second victory at the finish line.

Robertson continued to threaten the leading sailors, with a tough race against Ben Ainslie. On the last downwind leg the boats gybed all the way to the finish, and after an intense luffing dual just before the finish line Robertson was given a penalty which saw Ainslie claim the race. The penalty which was given to Robertson occurred after serious contact causing damage to their two boats, thus both teams were deducted half a point for failing to avoid a collision. Unfortunately for Robertson, he still had to complete his penalty before he could finish the race. Nevertheless an excellent effort from the young helmsman!

While Barker and Ainslie look safe to make the semi-finals, the next three flights are critical in deciding who will fill up the other two spots. With Rod Davis on 12 wins and Adam Minoprio on 11, they will be fighting for the spots as Laurie Jury and Phil Robertson are not that far behind. The Race Committee got six flights away today, so still have three flights to complete the round robin. With Ben Ainslie, Rod Davis and Dean Barker yet to match each other in this round, we are looking at an exciting start to tomorrows racing!

Original post by noreply@blogger.com (Valencia Sailing) and software by Elliott Back

[Source: RNZYS] Intensity levels were high going into day two of the New Zealand Match Racing Championships, with some tight races being fought out under the increasing pressure to make it into the semi finals. A fresh breeze of 10 – 15 knots coming from the South West made for perfect match racing conditions and created a mixed bag of results, with some upsetting losses and surprising wins.

Rod Davis suffered 4 losses today, losing races to Ben Ainslie, Dean Barker Reuben Corbett, and Josh Junior. The two young teams made it hard for last years defending champion, with some close races. The match between Corbett and Davis was definitely a highlight of the day, the young team rising to the competition and pushing Davis into a nail biting finish. Davis, having a penalty to complete on the last downwind leg forced Corbett into a trap at the finish line in an attempt to clear his penalty. However by keeping his nose clean, Corbett was able to keep well clear and sail to the finish, beating Davis by 10 seconds. This match triggered the start of a good day for the youth team, as they then went on to beat Ben Ainslie in the following race. Corbett’s team attributed their wins to their crew work and boat handling skills. This just proves the point that experience isn’t everything in a match racing regatta, where anything is possible!

The Race Committee was able to get away eight flights today, completing the first round robin and also two races of the second round robin. Dean Barker leads the field, coming off the water today with 11 wins, and remains undefeated. Ben Ainslie isn’t far behind with 9 wins, closely followed by up and coming Phil Robertson on 8 wins. Rod Davis, after a few hard blows today still holds 7 wins, followed by Jury and Minoprio tied up on 6. With the rest of the teams not far behind, it’s all on for tomorrow’s day racing!

POINTS TABLE
(after Round Robin One and Two Flights of Round Robin Two)

Dean Barker 11 wins / 0 losses
Ben Ainslie 9 / 3
Phil Robertson 8 / 4
Rod Davis 7 / 5
Adam Minoprio 6 / 5
Laurie Jury 6 / 6
Reuben Corbett 5 / 7
Jessica Smyth 4 / 8
Adrian Short 4 / 8
Josh Junior 4 / 8
Jan Dawson 1 / 11

Original post by noreply@blogger.com (Valencia Sailing) and software by Elliott Back

The following competitors have been confirmed for the upcoming NZ Match Racing Championships:

Dean Barker
Josh Junior
Laurie Jury
Adam Minoprio
Ben Ainslie
Jessica Smyth
Rueben Corbett
Jonathan Rankine
Jan Dawson
Adrian Short
Rod Davis
Phil Robertson

The NZ Match Racing Championships are running in Auckland 26 – 30 November 2008.

The event is managed by the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron.

Quick Facts about the NZ Match Racing Championships:

• Open to men and women

• Top sailors in NZ attend; many Emirates Team NZ members have competed over the years

• ISAF Grade 3 event

• The event has run for 22 years

• Previous winners include Ken Davern, Brad Butterworth, Chris Dixon, Rod Davies and Dean Barker

Original post by noreply@blogger.com (Valencia Sailing) and software by Elliott Back

The following competitors have been confirmed for the upcoming NZ Match Racing Championships:

Dean Barker
Josh Junior
Laurie Jury
Adam Minoprio
Ben Ainslie
Jessica Smyth
Rueben Corbett
Jonathan Rankine
Jan Dawson
Adrian Short
Rod Davis
Phil Robertson

The NZ Match Racing Championships are running in Auckland 26 – 30 November 2008.

The event is managed by the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron.

Quick Facts about the NZ Match Racing Championships:

• Open to men and women

• Top sailors in NZ attend; many Emirates Team NZ members have competed over the years

• ISAF Grade 3 event

• The event has run for 22 years

• Previous winners include Ken Davern, Brad Butterworth, Chris Dixon, Rod Davies and Dean Barker

Original post by noreply@blogger.com (Valencia Sailing) and software by Elliott Back

It is a tough choice deciding who to congratulate after the last race of the Alicante Trophy. Should it be Mean Machine, winner of the event with five consecutive bullets, or Bribón, helmed by Dean Barker, that finished second, just a mere point behind, and sailed an excellent final race?

Although the final day of the event started with at least three teams, Mean Machine, Bribón and Quantum, being able to be crowned overall winners, it was hard to imagine they would end up so close. That is also the strength and beauty of the class, the fact it is impossible to take anything for granted, the ease with which a team falls from hero to zero, even if they sail well. A small tactical error can make a huge difference and that was the key point in Saturday’s one and only race.

Unlike the previous days, the starting gun was fired under blue and sunny skies and a southeastern breeze of around 8-9 knots. The weather forecast was calling for a significant right hand shift but reality turned out to be the opposite. No matter how well and fast they hit the starting line, the boats that opted for the right side of the course paid a hefty price, while the handful that sticked to the left gained handsomely.

Five teams went to the left at the start; Platoon, Bribón, AUDI Q8, CAM and ONO. CAM finally opted to tack to the right side shortly after start but the rest kept the stayed on the left and grabbed the four top spots. Bribón, helmed by Dean Barker and with the Spanish King aboard, lead from the beginning and managed to win with a comfortable advantage of 1 minute. An intense fight took place between AUDI Q8 and Platoon for the second and third place. AUDI Q8 finally prevailed by one second after a nail-biting photo finish.

The TP52 fleet will now meet again in Marseilles, starting June 2nd. The big novelty will surely be the arrival of BMW Oracle’s boat, with James Spithill on the helm, alternating with Larry Ellison.

Alicante Trophy - AUDI Medcup / Final standings after 8 races

Start of the last race of the Alicante Trophy. Left was the side to be. Bribón, Platoon, AUDI Q8 and ONO stuck to that side and finished the race in the exact same order. Alicante, 17 May 2008. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Excellent start and race for Jochen Schuemann’s Platoon. Alicante, 17 May 2008. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Initial stretch of the Alicante Trophy final race. The significant left wind shift penalized all boats that had chosen the right side of the course. Alicante, 17 May 2008. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Bribón was leading the race at the first windward mark. Alicante, 17 May 2008. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Platoon was second at the top mark and Quantum 5th. Alicante, 17 May 2008. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Juan Kouyoumdjian, Team Origin’s designer, was at the windward mark, taking a close look at the TP52 fleet. It is believed the British America’s Cup challenger will have its own TP52 team next year. Alicante, 17 May 2008. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Having made the wrong tactical decision, Mean Machine and TAU Andalucia round the top mark 9th and 10th respectively. Alicante, 17 May 2008. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Bribón increased their lead in the first run. Alicante, 17 May 2008. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Throughout the race there was an intense fight between Platoon and AUDI Q8 for second place. Alicante, 17 May 2008. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Desafío and Artemis round the leeward gate, 6th and 8th respectively. Alicante, 17 May 2008. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Juan Carlos, King of Spain, at the helm of Bribón, rounding the 2nd windward mark. Alicante, 17 May 2008. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

ONO, a boat that had a mediocre performance so far in the race, passed in front of Quantum at the 2nd windward mark and grabbed the 4th spot. Alicante, 17 May 2008. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Quantum finished 5th in the race but held on to third overall. Alicante, 17 May 2008. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Another boat that failed to live up to expectations was Artemis, here 11th in the 2nd windward mark, more than 3 minutes behind Bribón. Alicante, 17 May 2008. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

The TP52 fleet in the last downwind leg of the Alicante Trophy. Alicante, 17 May 2008. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Original post by noreply@blogger.com (Valencia Sailing) and software by Elliott Back

It is a tough choice deciding who to congratulate after the last race of the Alicante Trophy. Should it be Mean Machine, winner of the event with five consecutive bullets, or Bribón, helmed by Dean Barker, that finished second, just a mere point behind, and sailed an excellent final race?

Although the final day of the event started with at least three teams, Mean Machine, Bribón and Quantum, being able to be crowned overall winners, it was hard to imagine they would end up so close. That is also the strength and beauty of the class, the fact it is impossible to take anything for granted, the ease with which a team falls from hero to zero, even if they sail well. A small tactical error can make a huge difference and that was the key point in Saturday’s one and only race.

Unlike the previous days, the starting gun was fired under blue and sunny skies and a southeastern breeze of around 8-9 knots. The weather forecast was calling for a significant right hand shift but reality turned out to be the opposite. No matter how well and fast they hit the starting line, the boats that opted for the right side of the course paid a hefty price, while the handful that sticked to the left gained handsomely.

Five teams went to the left at the start; Platoon, Bribón, AUDI Q8, CAM and ONO. CAM finally opted to tack to the right side shortly after start but the rest kept the stayed on the left and grabbed the four top spots. Bribón, helmed by Dean Barker and with the Spanish King aboard, lead from the beginning and managed to win with a comfortable advantage of 1 minute. An intense fight took place between AUDI Q8 and Platoon for the second and third place. AUDI Q8 finally prevailed by one second after a nail-biting photo finish.

The TP52 fleet will now meet again in Marseilles, starting June 2nd. The big novelty will surely be the arrival of BMW Oracle’s boat, with James Spithill on the helm, alternating with Larry Ellison.

Alicante Trophy - AUDI Medcup / Final standings after 8 races

Start of the last race of the Alicante Trophy. Left was the side to be. Bribón, Platoon, AUDI Q8 and ONO stuck to that side and finished the race in the exact same order. Alicante, 17 May 2008. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Excellent start and race for Jochen Schuemann’s Platoon. Alicante, 17 May 2008. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Initial stretch of the Alicante Trophy final race. The significant left wind shift penalized all boats that had chosen the right side of the course. Alicante, 17 May 2008. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Bribón was leading the race at the first windward mark. Alicante, 17 May 2008. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Platoon was second at the top mark and Quantum 5th. Alicante, 17 May 2008. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Juan Kouyoumdjian, Team Origin’s designer, was at the windward mark, taking a close look at the TP52 fleet. It is believed the British America’s Cup challenger will have its own TP52 team next year. Alicante, 17 May 2008. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Having made the wrong tactical decision, Mean Machine and TAU Andalucia round the top mark 9th and 10th respectively. Alicante, 17 May 2008. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Bribón increased their lead in the first run. Alicante, 17 May 2008. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Throughout the race there was an intense fight between Platoon and AUDI Q8 for second place. Alicante, 17 May 2008. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Desafío and Artemis round the leeward gate, 6th and 8th respectively. Alicante, 17 May 2008. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Juan Carlos, King of Spain, at the helm of Bribón, rounding the 2nd windward mark. Alicante, 17 May 2008. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

ONO, a boat that had a mediocre performance so far in the race, passed in front of Quantum at the 2nd windward mark and grabbed the 4th spot. Alicante, 17 May 2008. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Quantum finished 5th in the race but held on to third overall. Alicante, 17 May 2008. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Another boat that failed to live up to expectations was Artemis, here 11th in the 2nd windward mark, more than 3 minutes behind Bribón. Alicante, 17 May 2008. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

The TP52 fleet in the last downwind leg of the Alicante Trophy. Alicante, 17 May 2008. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Jochen Schuemann steers Platoon to 2nd position. Alicante, 17 May 2008. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

It’s an “AUDI” photo finish. Platoon beats AUDI Q8 by 1 second. Alicante, 17 May 2008. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Original post by noreply@blogger.com (Valencia Sailing) and software by Elliott Back

Our story about Dean Barker’s alleged move to BMW Oracle was picked up by the New Zealand Press Association (NZPA) and the New Zealand Herald. We publish the article that appeared on the NZ Herald where Barker denies such a move and reiterates his intention to remain at Team New Zealand.

[Source: New Zealand Herald] Team New Zealand skipper Dean Barker today poured cold water on speculation linking him with rival America’s Cup syndicate Oracle Racing, saying he wanted to stay put.

He said he had signed a letter of intent to remain with Team NZ for the next cup regatta in Valencia in 2009.

The Valencia Sailing website reported what it described as “a plausible rumour” that Barker had signed, or was about to sign, an agreement with new Oracle chief executive Russell Coutts to be helmsman.

However, Barker said he had had no talks with Oracle.

“Emirates Team New Zealand has moved to retain key members, including myself, and I have signed a letter of intent,” he said in a statement.

“I have had approaches from a couple of teams, but I would like to stay with Team New Zealand, the team that has worked so hard since 2003 to restore some pride in New Zealand sailing and regain the New Zealand public’s confidence.”

It was Coutts who gave Barker his first experience as a helmsman in an America’s Cup match, handing over the wheel in the final race of Team NZ’s successful 2000 defence against Italy’s Luna Rossa in Auckland.

They were on opposite sides three years later when Coutts skippered challengers Alinghi to a 5-0 whitewash over Team NZ.

Coutts then had a falling out with Alinghi boss Ernesto Bertarelli and was missing when the Swiss successfully defended the trophy with a 5-2 win over Barker’s crew last month.

Valencia Sailing said Barker was in Palma this month but had not gone there to compete. Coutts was there sailing in the Copa del Rey regatta.

“It is believed Barker was not in the Spanish city for holidays but in order to have talks with Coutts,” the website said.

“Even if this information turns out to be false, Larry Ellison, owner of BMW Oracle, will have no choice but to sign a very big name, and there aren’t a lot of them available.”

Original post by Valencia Sailing and software by Elliott Back

Valencia Sailing has a strict policy of not reproducing rumors in its three years of existence. The only time we didn’t follow the rules was a couple of months ago when we wrote about the imminent contract signature between Russell Coutts and BMW Oracle. It turned out it was true and the news was officially announced a month after we mentioned it. Still, it seems the contacts between the kiwi sailor and the American team were Valencia’s worst kept secret.

We will deviate from our policy for a second time and report the information we have received concerning the transfer of Dean Barker, the helmsman of Emirates Team NZ in the 32nd America’s Cup, to BMW Oracle. It seems, again officially unconfirmed, that the young New Zealander has signed or is about to sign an agreement with Russell Coutts, the brand new CEO of BMW Oracle, in order to become the helmsman on the American team.

It is a plausible rumor given the fact Dean Barker was in Palma last Saturday and was seen at the yacht club. Palma was of course where the Copa del Rey took place last week and Russell Coutts was calling tactics aboard the Swedish TP52 boat Artemis. It is believed Barker was not in the Spanish city for holidays but in order to have talks with Coutts. Unlike 2006, Barker hasn’t taken take part in any of the Breitling Medcup races so far this year.

Even if this information turns out to be false, Larry Ellison, owner of BMW Oracle, will have no choice but to sign a very big name, and there aren’t a lot of them available. The only other name we can think of is James Spithill, the young Australian helmsman of now defunct Luna Rossa.

Once again, this information has not been officially confirmed or denied by any of the involved parties. It might turn out to be that Barker’s presence in Palma was only related to his interest in the TP52 circuit and his view that it can provide an excellent training tool for any America’s Cup team.

Dean Barker in Palma in the last day of the Copa del Rey. Palma, 4 August 2007. Photo copyright Gilles Martin-Raget.

Original post by Valencia Sailing and software by Elliott Back