Dean Barker 'gutted' at being replaced by Team New Zealand
America's Cup skipper, who was at the helm of one of the worst chokes ever, angry at axing and rejects role as performance manager
Team New Zealand said yesterday they were replacing Dean Barker as America's Cup skipper, prompting an angry response from the experienced helmsman who said he was "gutted" to have been dumped.
Barker skippered Team New Zealand in 2013 when they lost the final 9-8 against Oracle Team USA in San Francisco after leading 8-1, in what has been described as one of the greatest chokes in sporting history.
Syndicate head Grant Dalton said Barker had been replaced by rising star Peter Burling, 24, a world champion in the Moth and 49er yacht classes.
This performance coaching role is not a sailing role ... it's not why I signed up to be part of Team New Zealand
Barker responded that Team New Zealand had assured him speculation earlier this month that he was to be dumped was not correct and he was stunned to learn he had been axed.
"I'm absolutely gutted in the way I've been treated by Team New Zealand," he told TV3.
Dalton said that while Burling would lead Team New Zealand for the next America's Cup series in Bermuda in 2017, Barker had been offered a new role as performance manager.
"We're hoping to retain Dean's 20 years of America's Cup experience in Emirates Team New Zealand," Dalton said.
"But we also acknowledge it is time for new blood to be given the chance at the helm of the country's challenger."