Baker works up an appetite

By JULIE ASH

Ian Baker is one of the "strong men" on the black boat, and it takes a lot of work to get a body such as his.

A diet rich in protein and carbohydrates and a truckload of exercise are required to work in the "engine room" of an America's Cup yacht.

Baker put on 20kg in nine months when he started with Team New Zealand in 2000, following his career in the Olympic Finn class.

A three-times winner of the national Finn title, Baker competed in several world championships, but just missed out on Olympic selection in 2000, finishing second in the national trials. He comes from a sailing family - his sister Michelle also competed in the world championships in dinghies - and was over the moon when Team New Zealand offered him a position as a grinder.

He helps to trim the headsails and occasionally the mainsail.

"It is really good at Team New Zealand. It is getting exciting, but we have a lot of work to do. We are not worrying about what the challengers are doing. We just like being out there and doing our own thing."

Ian Baker - grinder

Nickname: Box

Age: 28

Place of birth: Geraldine

Career highlights:

NZ Olympic Finn-class trials, second.

1997-99: Finn-class world championships.

1999: Finn-class nationals, first.

1998: Finn-class nationals, first.

1997: Finn-class nationals, first.

nzherald.co.nz/americascup

Racing schedule, results and standings