Bring it on, I can't wait, says Barker's Dad

By HELEN TUNNAH:

The urgency was plain to see. Just 48 hours out from the America's Cup, Team New Zealand skipper Dean Barker and the crew on board NZL 82 showed a determined sense of purpose as they went through their paces on the Hauraki Gulf yesterday.

For Barker, it was one of his last training runs on the gulf before he leads Team New Zealand out of the Viaduct Harbour on Saturday to find out if they are good enough to fend off Team Alinghi's challenge for yachting's Auld Mug.

And his final preparations were being made under the watchful eye of his father, Ray.

It was his parents who had frayed nerves as the young helmsman steered Team New Zealand to its fifth win against Prada three years ago in his first, historic America's Cup outing.

And it was to them he turned when he was asked by Tom Schnackenberg to lead the sailing team after the shock exit of Russell Coutts to Alinghi.

Ray Barker, 56, said yesterday that he had watched his son, now 29, mature and grow in confidence over the past three years and he was sure of the ability of all the New Zealanders to hold the cup.

"I'm excited more than anything, this week is just dragging out.

"I'm looking forward to the departure from the Viaduct as well, that's just going to be huge."

Auckland is virtually booked out for the start of racing, with hotels and restaurants straining under the demand.

Racing is expected to get under way in ideal sailing conditions, with the Meteorological Service predicting 10 to 15-knot easterly winds.

Ray Barker admits that he expects to be a little nervous as he watches Team New Zealand sail the first race.

"I guess I'm just a little bit apprehensive at the moment - as much as I enjoy watching the boys training.

"I have every confidence in the design team and the sailing crew.

"But until you actually see them line up in race one you just do not know." Barker, who helped fund Coutts' early career, said he had every respect for Alinghi's crew but felt Team New Zealand were also very strong.

"Day one is going to be very interesting. Just bring it on now, I can't wait for it to start."

nzherald.co.nz/americascup

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