Yachting: Barker grabs extreme series lead

Team NZ in action during the Boston round. Photo Lloyd Images/Extreme Sailing Series

Dean Barker has guided Team New Zealand to the overall lead of the extreme sailing series after winning the fourth round at Boston.

Going into today's last race (NZt) Barker, James Dagg, Jeremy Lomas and Adam Beashel needed to put five places between them and competition leaders Artemis to overhaul an eight-point deficit.

After a good start, Team New Zealand took the opportunities that came their way and kept out of trouble to finish second while Swedish boat Artemis, helmed by american Terry Hutchinson, did not have a good race and finished eighth.

With double points up for grabs in the final race, Barker collected 20 and Artemis eight.

After 37 races over five days, Team New Zealand took out the round with 293 points, followed by Artemis 289, The Wave Muscat 269, Luna Rossa 264 and Groupe Edmond de Rothschild 260.

The win, also propelled Barker and his team into the series lead with 39 points. Artemis are second on 37 and Groupe Edmond de Rothschild third on 36.

Team New Zealand were ecstatic to win their first extreme sailing series event.

"Artemis Racing showed us the way the whole week but the racing here was so tight, with potentially four boats able to take the title going in to the final race," Dean said.

"We had a really tight finish with Artemis in Istanbul and it's nice to come out on the right side of this one. Boston has been great, we love the city and have really enjoyed our time here."

The next round of the series is at the English seaport town of Cowes in four weeks time.

- NZPA