Oracle skipper Jimmy Spithill has slammed Team New Zealand for their handling of Dean Barker's departure.
Spithill was speaking on the opening day of the festival for the America's World Cup Series in Portsmouth.
He said he and Barkers relationship had improved since the fierce rivalry in their America's Cup face-off in San Francisco - and the two even go for beers together now.
"To be quite honest I was really frustrated with how Dean was dealt with over these past few months," said Spithill.
"He's a guy who has given so much for [Team New Zealand] and when you go head to head in a battle like that against someone it just wasn't right in my mind - so it's so cool to see him get an opportunity here.
"And I think he's assembled a pretty good team. From what I've heard what's going on in the other Team down there in New Zealand - I think Dean's team will be pretty good."
Spithill said the young duo of Peter Burling and Blair Tuke who now take on more responsibility for Team New Zealand are some of the best talent in the world, but he thought their promotion wasn't handled well by management.
Dean Barker also admits he and Spithill have mended their relationship - saying he owes Oracle for helping to get Team Japan up and running so quickly by lending crew members and resources.
However, he says it still feels strange racing against Team New Zealand.
"Maybe it hasn't quite sunk in yet," said Barker.
"Sometimes you look across and see the red wing and think actually shouldn't I be over there, but I'm very, very excited about what we're doing and it's going to be a good couple of years."
Watch the video for full interviews with Barker and Spithill
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