Photo: URBANANDSPORT
Team New Zealand has proven - once again - that Kiwis can fly.
The New Zealand side has won the America's Cup in Barcelona, becoming the first team in modern history to lift the trophy three times in a row.
They won the best-of-13 series 7-2, crossing the finish line early on Sunday morning (NZ time) 37 seconds ahead of the British challengers.
"[I'm] really proud of how the team just kept battling today," skipper Peter Burling said on the America's Cup livestream shortly after the win.
"It's still just sinking in.
"This team has obviously got a few bad memories from before my time of sitting on match points. To be able to get it done today... what an awesome feeling."
For Team New Zealand sailor Nathan Outteridge, it was his first time being part of a winning team.
"It's been a huge journey. I've loved every minute of it," he said.
"It's so awesome to be here with everyone and achieve it, and looking forward to the celebrations tonight."
British skipper Ben Ainslie said it had been an "amazing campaign" from Team New Zealand.
"I think they're the best team ever in the America's Cup, so it's quite some achievement."
Ainslie thanked his team for "all the effort they've put in over the years", saying it had been a "hell of a road" to get to the finals.
"[At the] end of the day, the better team won," he said.
The New Zealand boat, Taihoro, was given its name by iwi manaaki Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei.
It translates to "to move swiftly as the sea between both sky and earth".
Team New Zealand's most recent two America's Cup wins were in 2021 in Auckland and 2017 in Bermuda.
Prior to that, the Kiwi sailors lifted the Auld Mug in Auckland in 2000 and San Diego in 1995.
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