It was something of an open secret, but now it's official. Dean Barker, part of Team New Zealand for over 15 years, is switching sides. After narrowly losing out to the American team in the last edition before San Francisco after a lead he thought was safe, he was sacked by New Zealand team boss Grant Dalton.
Now Barker is back as boss and skipper of the Japanese challenge Softbank Team Japan. It is financed by the Japanese telecommunications group Softbank.
Barker said at the announcement in Bermuda, where he is meeting with defender representatives, that the core positions on the catamaran would be filled as soon as possible, but did not name names yet. He said he wanted to "fight at the front of the field" and the aim was to "win the America's Cup".
Lars Bolle
Chief Editor Digital
