America's Cup: Dean Barker looking forward to return to New Zealand

Dean Barker was named as helmsman for the New York Yacht Club's America's Cup challenge. Photo / Getty Images

Dean Barker's links to the America's Cup started in Auckland in 1995 with Black Magic.

Invited to train with Team New Zealand ahead of the 1995 Cup campaign, he opted to focus on the Olympics rather than travel to the States as part of what ended up being a successful Cup challenge.

In 2021, his Cup journey will bring him back to Auckland on another 'Magic' boat when he and American Magic look to take the Auld Mug back to the States, with Barker confirmed as helmsman.

Speaking to Newsroom's Suzanne McFadden, Barker said he was excited about the opportunity to compete in Auckland again.

"It's been quite some time since I've been home. It's going to be great to get back there and race again. Obviously it's an area that's dear to my heart; it's where I did all my sailing growing up."

Barker was part of Team New Zealand's defence in 2000, taking over at the helm from Russell Coutts in the last race. He was then skipper in 2003 when Coutts' Alinghi took the Auld Mug from Team New Zealand and an unsuccessful challenge in 2007. His final campaign with Team New Zealand was in 2013 when the Kiwi team gave up an 8-1 lead to lose 9-8 against defenders Oracle Team USA.

After leading the Japanese challenge in 2017, Barker will sail with the challenge out of the New York Yacht Club in 2021.

"To sail for the New York Yacht Club is a special thing, and I'm really thankful for the opportunity to be involved," Barker told Newsroom.

"I love the thrill of the sailing and the racing, and all the elements that go with it," he said of the America's Cup.

"Developing a team, designing and building a boat, and all the challenges that you're faced with. It's not as simple as just putting a boat in the water and going sailing. It's intriguing and enjoyable at the same time."

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