Te Rehutai dominates the winds and there is nothing Luna Rossa can do to stop it.
by Alessandra Puglisi
Courtesy of Gilles Martin-Raget/ AFP via Getty Images.
Ten regattas and seven victories later, Team New Zealand conquers the 36th America’s Cup. It is the fourth time the kiwi have won the trophy after San Diego 1995, Auckland 2000 and Bermuda 2017. Italy’s Luna Rossa fights until the end, managing three victories and writing history for an Italian team in the finals of the America’s Cup, but they bow down at last.
The results have been steady at first, each team snatching a victory from the other, and Luna Rossa tried hard until the end, challenging New Zealand relentlessly. Despite Te Rehutai edging the Italians in speed every time, Luna Rossa can still be proud of the amazing competition they have done.
Patrizio Bertelli has assured that Luna Rossa will return for the 37th edition of the America’s Cup, and co-helmsman Francesco Bruni said “Congratulations to New Zealand for the masterclass, but many thanks to our team too for the excellent job we’ve done. We now have more experience and we’ll be back. Thank you Italy.”
After the first six regattas, with both teams on 3-3, New Zealand conquered two more victories moving forward to a 5-3, a step closer to the trophy. Luna Rossa still put up a valiant fight but lost the ninth regatta too. The wind stopped in the Hauraki Gulf that same day and the tenth regatta was postponed. But Team New Zealand was more comfortable than ever with their 6-3 advantage and only needed one last victory.
The helmsman of Te Rehutai, Peter Burling, said “It is amazing to see all the people supporting us during this journey. This has been an incredible experience.” Burling has already helped New Zealand to a victory in Bermuda 2017, where the kiwi team was a challenger for the trophy. “Better winning as a Challenger or a Defender? Bermuda was great, but there is something special about winning this trophy at home.”
Team New Zealand has requested the Auckland Council not to hold the traditional ticker-tape parade for the Cup, avoiding any further costs on the host city and any potential Covid-19 spikes.
Hayden Porter, general manager of the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron confirmed the club has already received a new challenge for the 37th America’s Cup and while details are yet to be disclosed, everything seems to point at Ineos Team UK.
As of today, Team New Zealand asserted their dominion over the seas once again as they proudly celebrated their victory.
