At the 36th America's Cup, an international yacht race held in Auckland from March 10th, New Zealand defeated the Italian team Luna Rossa 7-3 to win their fourth title, marking their first consecutive victory following the 35th America's Cup held in 2017!
It's incredible, it's fantastic for the team.
"I'm a captain," said helmsman Peter Burling, who is holding the America's Cup, the oldest trophy in sports history.
10 races over 7 days
The America's Cup race started on March 10th. Two races are held each day, and the winner of the seventh race wins the America's Cup. Italy was leading New Zealand 3-2 in the first half. At the end of the third day's race, the score was 3-3, and it was a close race with neither team giving in.
However, the wind was weak on the fourth day and the race was cancelled, but New Zealand made a fierce attack when the race resumed on the fifth day. On the sixth day, after finishing the fifth day with a 5-3 lead, the race was cancelled again due to weather, but just 30 seconds before New Zealand made a comeback and took the sixth race victory, taking the lead in the championship!
The race was called the greatest race in America's Cup history.
On March 17th, with just one game left to win, crowds of people flocked to Oakland from early in the morning to cheer on the team, creating a festive atmosphere.
After a close battle in the first half, New Zealand went on to win five races in a row before taking the seventh race, which secured their victory. Of course, they had the advantage of being in Auckland, but their incredible speed was the main reason for their victory.
After the race, Italian helmsman Francesco Bruni said:
This is not the end. We will definitely try again.
He spoke with enthusiasm.
Government funding also confirmed for next tournament
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern watched the match on television and was quick to congratulate the team after it was announced they had won.
New Zealand has done it again! Making the America's Cup the New Zealand Cup again. We as a nation are so proud.
Prime Minister Ardern also announced that the Government will provide around NZ$5 million (approximately US$4 million) in funding to help retain key players and staff with the New Zealand team ahead of the next tournament, which will again be held in Auckland in 2024.
Mark Orams, a former New Zealand America's Cup representative and now a professor at Auckland University of Technology, said:
Yacht racing is a sport that requires technology, innovation and huge amounts of money, so it's incredible that a tiny island nation on the edge of the Pacific Ocean like New Zealand has won it. All New Zealanders should be very proud.
He said on television.
Perhaps the best thing about this America's Cup was that it was held in New Zealand, where the spread of the new coronavirus has been contained. The tournament was held safely, and many people gathered at the public viewings held locally and across the country, creating a great atmosphere.
Above all, I hope that the next 37th tournament in 2024 will attract spectators from all over the world.
