Ficker Cup: Convincing lead for Barker on Day 2
by Betsy Crowfoot 14 Apr 2018 22:24 PDT
13-15 April 2018
The breeze on Day Two of the Ficker Cup may have been shifty, but "steady" was the name of the game for Dean Barker and team American Magic, as they clung to the top of the leaderboard, with six wins and no losses in the series' second Round Robin.
The Ficker Cup is a World Sailing Grade Two regatta – prestigious in its own right, but significant as a stepping stone to the Congressional Cup. Founded in 1980 to honour Bill Ficker, a legendary yachtsman who helmed Intrepid to victory in the 1970 America's Cup and won the Congressional Cup in 1974, it offers world-class match racing action in an equalized fleet of one-design Catalina 37s yachts.
And today, all eyes were on the scoreboard, as Dean Barker, USA, solidified his first place position and advancement to the semi-finals tomorrow, along with Johnie Berntsson, SWE, 5-1. Chris Poole, USA, and Leonard Takahashi, JAP, both 3-3, also proceed to the semis – edging out competitor and LBYC Staff Commodore Dave Hood, defeated in the tie-breaker.
Ficker Cup racing will continue tomorrow Sunday April 15 at approximately 11:30AM off the Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier, where spectators can watch the action live. While today's breeze built to 11 knots from the southwest, tomorrow's forecast is for slightly lighter wind conditions.
The top two Ficker Cup finalists will advance to the Congressional Cup, the 'granddaddy' of modern world-class match racing, founded by Long Beach Yacht Club in 1965.
"What The Masters Green Jacket is to pro golfing, the Crimson Blazer is to yacht racing," explained Congressional Cup Chairman Eric Dickinson. "The Congressional Cup is one of the most prestigious yacht racing events in the world and a gateway to the America's Cup; and the members of Long Beach Yacht Club are proud to present this premier event for the 54th year."
Full further information and results please visit www.lbyc.org . For information on the Congressional Cup visit www.thecongressionalcup.com