Walker to helm IC45 Barlo Plastics

With Ben Ainslie on America's Cup duty, Ian Walker will steer in Palma, writes Andy Rice

With Ben Ainslie down in Auckland on America’s Cup duty, Ian Walker has stepped in to take the helm of the IC45 Barlo Plastics for the opening regatta of the Clean Marine IC45 Winter Series 2001 in Palma.
Calling tactics for Walker will be Adrian Stead, who is running the Barlo Plastics campaign on behalf of the boat’s new owner, telecoms entrepreneur Robert Condon. Stead’s old Soling partner, Andy Beadsworth, is doing mainsheet whilst another Olympian, Tornado sailor Hugh Styles, makes his big boat debut as one of the trimmers.

The regatta, organised by the Real Club Náutico de Palma, will see seven races scheduled between 26th - 28th January 2001 on the waters of the Bay of Palma de Mallorca.

Commenting on his appointment, helmsman Walker said, "I am delighted to be sailing with Adrian at the first regatta of the Winter Series and helming the IC 45 Barlo Plastics. It is great to see the British Team on the water so early, with such a talented team of sailors."

Robert Condon, who bought and renamed Graham Walker's Indulgence at the end of last year, said: "We have the possibility of assembling the best ever British Admiral's Cup challenge, with the best support structure in the world and the backing of internationally renowned Barlo Plastics. This really is a winning formula and we will be looking for an early indication of the strength of this team at Palma."

Ainslie will return from Auckland to compete in the second leg of the Winter Series in mid-February.


Barlo Plastics IC 45 Crew List:

Bow Mark Sheffield
Mast Brendan Darrer
Pit Kelvin Rawlings
Trimmer Richard Faulkner
Trimmer Hugh Styles
Cockpit Steve Dawson
Navigator Julian Salter
Main Andy Beadsworth
Helm Ian Walker
Tactician Adrian Stead