It seems like it has been a long time building to this point, but finally we are ready to go racing. Despite all the drama and controversy that has marred the build-up to this America's Cup, there has never been so much expectation and intrigue attached to an opening race.
We've heard a lot over the past few weeks over the design merits of each team's boat, but not a lot about the guys charged with getting them around the race course.
Dean Barker has no reason to fear Jimmy Spithill.
He wiped the floor with Spithill when they met in the 2007 Louis Vuitton Cup final, and I think that was the coming of age for Barker.
The two are quite different helmsmen. From a boat-handling perspective I think Barker has some God-given gifts around the startline in terms of the way he sees the picture. The way he turns the boat up to the line and his time on distance judgment is impressive.