AMERICA'S CUP IS HEADING TO NZ   26 Jun 2017

Jun 26 2017

On match point going into Race 9 Peter Burling lost a tight fight at the start to trail around mark one.

But when both boats gybed for the first time the writing was on the wall for Jimmy Spithill, Aotearoa straightaway showing better speed downwind to lead around Mark 2, a five second advantage blowing out to 26” at the end of the first upwind leg. 

© Richard Hodder

Now came the canny sailing from the Kiwis, the afterguard taking the low risk option, carefully covering the American boat and prepared to give away some distance to maintain control.

The lead began to grow and by the time Burling took Emirates Team New Zealand over the line they were 55” to the good.

For the first time the crew showed some real emotion as they shook hands, embraced and congratulated each other and their supporters.

Time for the champagne moment and never will it have tasted sweeter, washing away the bitterness that’s lingered since the crushing disappointment in San Francisco four years ago.

This was revenge and redemption for Emirates Team New Zealand delivering a David versus Goliath victory with classic Kiwi ingenuity and creativity.

“We’re on top of the world,” said Peter Burling.” It’s going to be a good night.”  

Source: ETNZ

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