8 Jul 2017

Barker has mixed emotions about TNZ win

5:53 am on 8 July 2017

Team Japan helmsman, Dean Barker says he has mixed emotions about Team New Zealand winning the 35th America's Cup in Bermuda.

Soft Bank Team Japan CEO and Helmsman Dean Barker at the press conference after losing their final race against Artemis Racing

Soft Bank Team Japan CEO and Helmsman Dean Barker at the press conference after losing their final race against Artemis Racing Photo: PHOTOSPORT

Barker, who was skipper for Team New Zealand in their infamous loss to Team USA in San Francisco four years ago, congratulated skipper Glenn Ashby, helmsman Peter Burling and their crew on wrestling the Auld Mug off Jimmy Spithill and Russell Coutts on Team Japan's website.

Barker said Team New Zealand's dominance was amazing throughout the America's Cup and that they thoroughly deserved the oldest trophy in international sport.

He went on to say how thrilled he is that America's Cup will be held back in New Zealand but admitted it was tough not to be part of their successful campaign given his long history with the syndicate.

Team Japan, who were knocked out of the challenger series semi finals by Team Sweden, are now waiting to discover what direction the 26th America's Cup takes.