Dean Barker (TNZ) today won the Omega Seamaster Cup beating his fellow countrymen Russel Coutts (Alinghi Challenge).
On the last day of the Omega Seamaster Cup, GBR Challenge and the Outlaws raced in the best of three heats for the third place under heavy rain. Andy Beadsworth had no problems in beating Chris Law. In fact he won by 2 heats to zero. At 2pm the final ( best of 5 race format) started with a 10 knot wind blowing from SW. The final was between Russell Coutts and Dean Barker who are both favourites to reach the finals in the America's Cup.
The first race was won by Coutts. The start was a close run affair which remained that way until the second mark when Coutts forced Barker to make a mistake thus receiving a penalty point. For Coutts pure administration was all that was needed to cross the finish line first with Barker arriving four seconds behind. The second race was won by Barker after another close run battle. The large number os spectators in the specially erected stands for this occasion saw Barker cross the finishing line ahead of his ex skipper.
The third race was very emotional indeed. It finished in a tie, a very rare if not only decision in match racing. Barker and Coutts crossed the finishing line together and the regatta committee after numerous consultations awarded a point to each team. In the fourth and in the fifth race Dean Barker and his crew coped very well with the weather conditions with the wind that dropped down until 4 knots in the last race, crossing the finish line ahead twice.
At the prize giving the Mayor of Trieste presented the winners with the Trophy and 10 Omega Seamaster America's Cup limited edition watches .