Joyful scenes and tears of joy at Auckland airport: Emirates Team New Zealand and its fans have been waiting a long time for these moving moments on their return. Nine days after the final victory in the 35th America's Cup duel against the defeated Oracle Team USA, the Kiwis are back home with the silver jug.
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Even before landing, there was a special - and this time early - gift for the successful sailors on Monday: With five million NZ dollars for Emirates Team New Zealand, the New Zealand government wants to help the team retain its key players and set a smart course for its defence in the 36th America's Cup in this first phase. This was announced by Economic Development Minister Simon Bridges as interim funding and a reward for the victory. New Zealand Prime Minister Bill English said on the sidelines of a cabinet meeting that Emirates Team New Zealand had given millions of Kiwis entertainment and a sense of achievement.
The winners' parade is planned for Thursday in Auckland and will lead through Queen Street in the city centre. At least tens of thousands of fans are expected to celebrate the Cup victory with their team of hearts. Before returning to New Zealand, the Cup winners led by team boss Grant Dalton first made a stopover in Dubai to celebrate the Cup triumph there with their namesake and sponsor Emirates. In Auckland, 500 fans then celebrated their high-flying Kiwis. "We're just enjoying the moment," said a visibly moved Peter Burling, who carried the silver jug into the arrivals hall of the airport to loud cheers together with Grant Dalton. From a Kiwi point of view, the Cup is back where it belongs: at home!
Tatjana Pokorny
Sports reporter
