Ficker Cup: Barker Maintains Lead

Long Beach, CA (April 14, 2018) – The breeze on Day Two of the 2018 Ficker Cup may have been shifty, but “steady” was the name of the game for Dean Barker and team American Magic, as they clung to the top of the leaderboard, with six wins and no losses in the series’ second Round Robin.

The Ficker Cup is a World Sailing Grade Two regatta – prestigious in its own right, but significant as a stepping stone to the Congressional Cup. Founded in 1980 to honor Bill Ficker, a legendary yachtsman who helmed Intrepid to victory in the 1970 America’s Cup and won the Congressional Cup in 1974, it offers world-class match racing action in an equalized fleet of one-design Catalina 37s yachts.

And today, all eyes were on the scoreboard, as Dean Barker, USA, solidified his first place position and advancement to the semi-finals tomorrow, along with Johnie Berntsson, SWE, 5-1. Chris Poole, USA, and Leonard Takahashi, JAP, both 3-3, also proceed to the semis – edging out competitor and LBYC Staff Commodore Dave Hood, defeated in the tie-breaker.

While today’s breeze built to 11 knots from the southwest, tomorrow’s forecast is for slightly lighter wind conditions.

The top two Ficker Cup finalists will advance to the Congressional Cup, the ‘granddaddy’ of modern world-class match racing, founded by Long Beach Yacht Club in 1965.

“What The Masters Green Jacket is to pro golfing, the Crimson Blazer is to yacht racing,” explained Congressional Cup Chairman Eric Dickinson. “The Congressional Cup is one of the most prestigious yacht racing events in the world and a gateway to the America’s Cup; and the members of Long Beach Yacht Club are proud to present this premier event for the 54th year.”

Results, Day 2
SKIPPER/NATIONALITY/RANK/W-L RR1, W-L RR2
1 Dean Barker USA/– 6-1, 6-0
2 Johnie Berntsson SWE/154 6-1, 5-1
3 Chris Poole USA/54 4-3, 3-3
4 Leonard Takahashi JAP/14 4-3, 3-3
5 Dave Hood USA/136 2-5, 3-3
6 Peter Holz USA/24 2-5, 2-4
7 Maxime Mesnil FRA/4 3-4, 1-5
8 Vladimir Lipavsky RUS/16 1-6, 1-5

The Ficker Cup racing is scheduled for April 13-15, 2018

Event Details – Results – Congressional Cup

THE FICKER CUP
The Ficker Cup was established in 1980 to honor Bill Ficker, a legendary yachtsman who helmed Intrepid to victory in the 1970 America’s Cup, and won the Congressional Cup in 1974. The Ficker Cup is a World Sailing Grade Two event, and considered the gateway to the Congressional Cup – as the top two finalists advance to the Congressional Cup, which takes place next week, April 18-22. Both events are hosted by Long Beach Yacht Club, and raced in the Congressional Cup stadium waters adjacent the Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier.

Source: Betsy Crowfoot