America’s Cup: Japanese to help Defender

New Zealand sailor Dean Barker will turn his attention to helping Oracle Team USA defend the America’s Cup after his SoftBank Team Japan was eliminated from the America’s Cup Challenger Semi-Finals.

With Artemis Racing (SWE) beating the Japanese in the series 5-3, the Swedes now will face Emirates Team New Zealand in the Challenger Finals.

While the Challengers sort out who will face the Defender, Barker plans to do his bit to have the Americans humming for the pending showdown. This will be a continuation of a partnership which saw the Japanese syndicate being heavily supported by Oracle Team USA.

“We’ve had a great relationship with (Team USA) due to the fact that they provide us with their our design and everything else,” Barker said. “The intention now would be, yeah, to do some sailing (with them) and carry on with the development process.”

The rules allow for a team to train with another team only during permitted periods, of which the final period concludes on June 12.

Barker, 44, confirmed he wants to continue an America’s Cup racing career which began in 1995. “I’ve always said I love racing and I’d like to keep racing. If there is an opportunity I will,” he said.

Source: Yahoo Sports NZ