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Dean Barker is a New Zealand yachtsman recognized for his extensive participation and leadership in the prestigious America's Cup.
Financially backed the Japanese America's Cup team, Softbank Team Japan, which Dean Barker skippered.
Dean Barker is a major shareholder in Kiwi Yachting Consultants. He also became involved with Nexus Marine through partnership with Kiwi Yachting Consultants.
Dean Barker became involved with Nexus Marine, stating it's related to his involvement in Kiwi Yachting Consultants.
Louis Vuitton has been the commercial partner and namesake of the America's Cup challenger series, the Louis Vuitton Cup, which Dean Barker has competed in and won multiple times.
Dean Barker was born on April 8, 1973, in Takapuna, New Zealand. His early life exposed him to sailing through his father, Ray Barker, who was involved with Barkers Clothing. Barker attended Westlake Boys High School and began sailing at an early age, starting with Optimist and P Class dinghies before progressing to Lasers and Finns.
Barker’s introduction to the America’s Cup came in 1995 when Russell Coutts invited him to train with Team New Zealand. Although he initially opted for an Olympic campaign, he later became a permanent member of the Team New Zealand defense team once the Cup was in Auckland. In 2000, he was part of New Zealand’s successful America’s Cup defense, helming the final race for Team New Zealand. Following this, he became the skipper for Team New Zealand after key defections to other syndicates. He led Emirates Team New Zealand to victory in the 2007 Louis Vuitton Cup, winning 5–0 against Luna Rossa Challenge, and again in 2013, beating Luna Rossa Challenge 7–1. He set a Louis Vuitton/America’s Cup speed record of 47 knots (87 km/h; 54 mph) in 2013. He continued his America’s Cup involvement as CEO and skipper for Softbank Team Japan in 2015 and then helmsman for American Magic from the New York Yacht Club for the 2021 America’s Cup.
Beyond the America’s Cup, Barker has a diverse sailing career. He narrowly missed selection for the 1996 Olympic team to Atlanta and later represented New Zealand in the Finn class at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games, finishing 13th. His career also includes numerous championship wins in match racing and development classes. He is a major shareholder in Kiwi Yachting Consultants, indicating his continued involvement in the sailing industry outside of competitive racing.
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