By SUZANNE MCFADDEN
The new generation of New Zealand sailors was yesterday leading the world's best on the water on the other side of the globe.
Dean Barker, the new Team New Zealand skipper, held his lead in the world matchracing championships for the fourth day running in Croatia.
Barker's childhood friend Dan Slater was also at the front of the fleet in the 49er skiffs at the Spa regatta in Holland.
Slater and crewmate Nathan Handley are proving they will be medal contenders in the new Olympic class.
The Aucklanders have had three wins from six races to lead world champion Australian Chris Nicholson and a fleet of Olympic crews in their build-up to Sydney.
Barker has a half-point advantage over the world's top 12 matchracing skippers in Croatia.
He finished the first round-robin with nine wins from 11, but round two has been hampered by fickle breezes.
Barker's Team NZ crew watched in frustration yesterday as they had a bye in the only round sailed.
But there was good news in the results, as their nearest rivals, former world champions Peter Gilmour and Bertrand Pace, suffered losses.
Danish world No 1 Sten Mohr moved into second place overall.
Barbara Kendall continues to lead the women's fleet in the European boardsailing championships, after racing was abandoned for two days through no wind.
Olympian Aaron McIntosh and Jon Paul Tobin are just inside the top 10 in the men's fleet.
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