The Auld Mug - America's CupSailing is a passion in New Zealand, and that was proved in 1995 when Black Magic won the challenger series and went on to win the prestigious America's Cup in San Diego. In 2000, Team New Zealand became the first nation other than the USA to successfully defend the cup, and what a spectacular defence it was, with the Kiwis sailing in to defeat the challenger Prada five races to nil. 2003 saw the team fall from grace as they lost the cup to the Swiss Alinghi, not known as a yachting nation, at least not in the America's Cup class. The time of reckoning has come - Team New Zealand are back, and back with a vengeance. Emirates Team New Zealand are in Valencia 2007 to bring the cup back home! Follow the 2007 America's Cup action here. |