Dean Barker wins 2005 New Zealand Match Racing Championship 2005

Emirates Team New Zealand helmsman Dean Barker sailed into today’s finals with a clear lead over the competition. Barker selected to race 22 year old Simon Minoprio (Vision Yachting). This left BMW Oracle racing skipper Chris Dickson to sail Cameron Appleton (K-Challenge).

In the first race Barker beat Minoprio by 35 seconds, but in the second race Minoprio lead from start to finish taking the win by 9 seconds. Race 3 and the winner would go through to the finals. It was a tough battle right from the start, with Minoprio leading Barker to the top mark for the first time. Minoprio then picked up a penalty for hitting the top mark. At the top mark for the last time Minoprio had a 5 boat length advantage and there were numerous gybes and luffs on the run as Minoprio tried to clear his penalty by getting one on Barker. Coming into the Committee Boat Barker got the inside and was able to sneak home as Minoprio completed his penalty turn on the line. This secured a finals place for Barker & crew.

In the other semi final Dickson bet Appleton twice to secure his spot in the finals.

In the petit final Appleton beat Minoprio by 12 seconds in the first race and 6 seconds in the second to secure 3rd place for the regatta.

In the finals Dickson & Barker went head to head for 5 straight matches leaving the decider to the 5th and final match. The lead changed numerous times but Barker sailed home to win the final race by 12 seconds and the New Zealand championships for the 3rd time.

Following his 3rd place, Appleton will be invited to fill the last available spot in the International Sailing Federation-sanctioned and grade one Auckland Match Racing Cup, which will take place between ten skippers and their crews on the Waitemata Harbour across five days beginning January 25. Barker and Dickson have already been invited to take part.

In January, Appleton will compete against some of the best sailors in the world including number one-ranked Ed Baird (Team Alinghi) and Sebastian Col (K-Challenge).

Photo copyright: Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron

Photo copyright: Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron

Photo copyright: Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron

Photo copyright: Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron

Photo copyright: Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron