Sweden's Artemis will line up against Team New Zealand in the America's Cup challenger final in Bermuda, after convincingly beating Dean Barker's Japan team.
Sweden's Artemis Racing Photo: AFP
Artemis, skippered by Nathan Outteridge, secured the one win they needed, beating Softbank Team Japan by 13 seconds, after a storming come-from-behind performance.
Barker got the better start and led for half the race, before Artemis barged past following a tack, forcing Softbank to slow, and while Dean Barker sought a penalty on the Swedes, none was given.
The result eliminates New Zealand yachtsman Dean Barker, whose team had a close relationship and technology-sharing agreement with defender Oracle TeamUSA.
The Japan team's elimination ends Dean Barker's America's Cup campaign. Photo: RNZ / Todd Niall
Barker spoke of his pride of having lead a team that brought Japan back into the America's Cup for the first time since 2000.
"I'm immensely proud of what Softbank achieved, the smallest team and the last to enter," he told RNZ.
"It's disappointing not to be in the Challenger final - but it just wasn't to be."
Barker helmed the fifth and final race for Team New Zealand, when it successfully defended the America's Cup in Auckland in 2000.
The team lost the Cup disastrously in 2003, and unsuccessfully contested the final in 2007 and 2013.
He has had the dual role of skipper and chief executive of Softbank Team Japan, formed with a technology sharing partnership with the defender Oracle Team USA.
So who will he back; Artemis or his former Team New Zealand ?
"My heart's with New Zealand" said Barker, "but we do believe in, and like, the Framework Agreement, and want it to ring true and carry on, so in that respect I'd like to see Artemis win.
That agreement, signed by all teams other than New Zealand, has a clause which would probably see future Cups held in Bermuda.
Team New Zealand and Artemis begin their challenger final duel tomorrow, with three races a day, the first to win 5 steps up to take on Oracle TeamUSA in the America's Cup Match.
Artemis helmsman Nathan Outteridge said he was feeling good about the duel with Team New Zealand.
"It's a slightly different game, but they're going to be a tough competitor just like Softbank Team Japan.
"The racing will go down to the wire in all of them.
"I don't think there's much in it in terms of speed. I think we've closed the gap a bit in manoeuvring.
"Yesterday showed we're up to the challenge in tactical decision making as well, I'm really looking forward to it."
Team New Zealand had no comment to make on its finals' rival.
After securing the first finalist slot yesterday, Team New Zealand helmsman Peter Burling had been diplomatic on which opponent he'd rather face.
"We're watching a really interesting battle unfold between Artemis and Softbank, and both are sailing incredibly well, and we're under no illusions that we'll be in for a fight in the final," he told the post-race media conference.
Team New Zealand has kept its boat in the shed today, after showing signs of recurring problems yesterday with a daggerboard, something they publicly denied.