KEY POINTS:
America's Cup skipper Dean Barker has taken up a significant shareholding in Auckland marine products company Kiwi Yachting Consultants.
Barker, son of retail chain millionaire Ray Barker of menswear company Barkers, approached the company familiar with its products.
He takes a seat on the company's board of directors and expects to be an active participant in the business. A lull in America's Cup activity enabled Barker to spend time at the company's offices in Grey Lynn last week.
"I think it's a fantastic opportunity to get involved in the marine industry. I've always been passionate about sailing and this way I can contribute to the long-term future of New Zealand's success on the water," he said.
Kiwi Yachting have been supplying a network of marine retailers, boatyards and after-markets throughout New Zealand with well-known brands such as Navtec, Lewmar and Holt since 1988. It also provides design, installation and maintenance services.
While its primary focus is on ocean racers and cruisers, it also imports Extreme Optimist hulls, supporting yachting at its most basic level.
Founder Richard Macalister started the company 20 years ago on the back of his professional sailing career. His long history in matchracing includes sailing the 1981 round-the-world race on Sir Peter Blake's Ceramco, the Sydney Hobart yacht race, and the Admiral's Cup.
Macalister said his sailing career helped bring boat-building contracts to New Zealand - something he is hoping to emulate with Barker's involvement in the company.
"Dean's involvement will attract a new wave of customers to the New Zealand industry."
He is keen to share with Barker his pet project: the development of an Auckland Farr Platu 25 racing series.
"There's been grumbling in the local industry that there's no International One Design yacht racing here. Kiwi Yachting is helping to establish a fleet in New Zealand to get a bit more international racing action on the waters of the Hauraki Gulf."
