Yachting: Barker beats Coutts

Team NZ skipper Dean Barker has beaten his biggest rival in the Congressional Cup regatta in California.

Barker has beaten his former Team New Zealand boss Russell Coutts in the elite match racing event held at Long Beach.

The new Team New Zealand skipper won race one by 33 seconds, but Coutts came back to win race two by 17 seconds and force a third and deciding race.

Barker took out the final by 19 seconds after leading at every mark.

The wind played a big part in the event, changing direction from the east to south west and forcing the course to be moved 800 metres out from shore.

- NEWSTALK ZB