Tom Barker, known for his crewing skills on AFR Midnight Rambler showcased his match racing talents at Cowes last week to finish 2nd.

Combining with CYCA Youth Academy sailors Tim Austin (Sydney 38, Ichi Ban), Tiffany Fulde (Sommerbreeze) and Alex Ward, Barker competed in a strong international field.

Reflecting on the regatta, Barker stated “Being seeded seventh in a very high quality fleet and to take our chances when they presented themselves, and to place second, is very rewarding.”

The regatta was won by fellow Australian, Rob Gibbs, who only recently returned to Perth after an intensive 12 months training with the CYCA Youth Sailing Academy.

The first scheduled days of racing saw 20-35 knots plus, the kind of weather that had delayed the start of the Rolex Fastnet Race, with the result that only one flight was completed in the first two days.

Day 3 was an early start and late finish in variable conditions with the entire first and part of the second round robin completed. Barker finished the day in equal fourth.

Day 4, the final day and a big one. CYCA hit the ground running with a first race win against Rob Gibbs. By the completion of the second round robin Barker was in equal second with teams from Germany and Britain. 
 
Under severe time constraints the race committee decided on a sail off. After winning a hectic race against the Germans, Barker was left to sail off for second against the Brits.

“We were able to control the right hand side of the course which paid off. Downwind, on starboard gybe we held Pinner (Britain) out past a layline and got a penalty on him for not keeping clear.  We continued to control the right again up the next beat and stayed in pressure to take a very solid win,” commented Barker

“A bit of encouragement and support from the Loki crew who are here after their Fastnet race was very much appreciated – particularly Barnsey’s “do it the Aussie way, boat speed to burn” – and helped get us through a tough two days of intense racing.  The team is very tired but extremely happy” a jubilant Barker said last night. – Jenni Bonnitcha