Barker breaks a rig

...but it wasn't his new crew Ed Peel's fault, says the 49er pensioner. Andy Rice reports

Barker also plans to train closely with Britain’s other high-profile newcomer to the Star, Finn Olympic champion Iain Percy, newly teamed up with Steve Mitchell. Percy originally planned to sail with young Finn sailor Chris Brittle, but a recent fourth place at the Finn Gold Cup suggests the 19-year-old has plenty to gain by staying in the singlehander for some time to come. Percy met Steve Mitchell whilst easing his way into big boat racing aboard Mark Heeley's Farr 40 GBR 25 this summer, and the two discussed teaming up for a Star campaign then.
Although these two crews will be at daggers drawn in three years’ time when it comes to decide who will take the sole slot for the Games in Athens, Barker sees great benefits in training with Percy for the time being. Both helms used this open approach to knowledge sharing to great effect in their build-up to Sydney, so it is no surprise to see them wanting to collaborate now, especially when they have so much to learn.

"It makes sense to train with Percy, as Sid [coach David Howlett] has coached him before and he can do the same for me. Also, if we can train together it will save money. The RYA's funding for Stars is not a bottomless pit."

Barker is looking forward to getting his teeth into a technical class like the notoriously difficult Star. Despite having proved his worth in the Olympic skiff he comments: "I think the Star suits my talents better than the 49er. When you are travelling as fast as you do in the 49er, you can only afford to tack so many times, so tactics are limited. And with everyone using the same rig there is only so much work you can do on tuning and boatspeed."

Having spent 10 years in the sailmaking trade, mainly for Pinnell & Bax, Barker feels he has a good handle on the interaction between sails and rigs, and he's looking forward to bringing that to bear in the Star class.

But although he is selling all his 49er gear, he feels he has not said goodbye altogether. "I found these short-course races a bit strange to begin with, but they grow on you after a while and I think I'd miss them. I think I'm danger of getting bored after the first 40 minutes of any race now."

Barker's official farewell to the class was at the RYA 49er Gold Series a few weekends ago at Weymouth, but after incurring a non-discardable OCS and falling off top spot, it was not the best way to leave the class. "It certainly won't be the last time I sail them," he says. "I vaguely recall agreeing to crew for Simon Hiscocks at the Inland Championships [this weekend at Rutland], but I had had a few drinks at the time."