United Airlines have announced their sponsorship of the Sydney 40 set to compete in the Barlo Plastics British Admiral’s Cup Team 2001 next July. The yacht will be co-skippered by two time Olympian Andy Beadsworth and double Olympic Silver medallist Ian Walker, and will be entirely crewed by British America’s Cup sailors. These will include Walker’s Olympic Silver medallist-winning crew Mark Covell, and Beadsworth’s Soling crew Richard Sydenham, plus James Stagg and Simon Fry.

Meanwhile, the British team’s big boat, Barlo Plastics IC 45, has made a spectacular start to the training season having already claimed two wins in the three regatta Clean Marine IC 45 Winter Series in Palma, Mallorca. Ian Walker successfully guest-helmed Barlo Plastics to their first regatta win in January and, in a break from his training schedule with the America’s Cup syndicate OneWorld, Olympic Gold Medallist Ben Ainslie steered Barlo Plastics in the second regatta to his first win in the IC 45 class.

This year’s British Admiral’s Cup Team will consist of Barlo Plastics IC 45, United Airlines Sydney 40 (formerly known as Nautica Arbitrator) and a Farr 40 that will be selected after the Barlo Plastics-sponsored trial series.

Commenting on the announcement André de Smet, Managing Director of Barlo Plastics said, “It is encouraging to see so many familiar and successful sailing names involved with the Barlo Plastics British Admiral’s Cup Team. Winning the Admiral’s Cup requires first class boats, experienced and skilled crews and of course determination. Today’s announcement is further indication that the Barlo Plastics British Team will be the strongest seen in recent times.”