18 Mar 2021

America's Cup: Sailors celebrate big win

From Morning Report, 7:09 am on 18 March 2021

New Zealand came to a standstill as Te Rehutai soared on Auckland's Hauraki Gulf yesterday, ensuring the America's Cup regatta ended on a glorious note for the defenders.

A comprehensive victory in race 10 was enough to see off Italian challengers Luna Rossa 7-3 and complete just the second successful New Zealand defence of sport's oldest trophy.

The City of Sails came alive in the latter part of the Cup Match - once lockdown restrictions were lifted - and the celebrations erupted on and off the water when helmsman Peter Burling and his crew steered their foiling craft across the finish line.