America’s Cup: “Auld Mug” stays in New Zealand
The world’s oldest sports trophy, known as the “Old Mag”, went to New Zealand for the fourth time after 1995, 2000 and 2017. For captain Peter Burling, this was the second success after 2017, when he recovered the trophy for his country from Bermuda. The current duel was only at eye level at first, after a 2: 3 deficit, the hosts took over and won five races in a row.
In the 10th race on Wednesday, the Kiwis were just ahead of the first turning mark with winds reaching nearly ten knots. When Luna Rossa has to “stand in line” at the second barrel and falls into the bottom draw of “Te Rehutai,” the duel is over. At the end of the race, the old and new America’s Cup winners made a safe lead of 46 seconds. Italy led by Francesco Bruni (Italy) and Jimmy Spethyl (Australia) had to concede defeat on the third attempt after 1992 and 2000.
America’s Cup stays in New Zealand
The Copa America, the oldest sports trophy in the world, is still in New Zealand. Defending champion New Zealand scored the decisive point, 7: 3, against Italian boat Luna Rossa with a fifth straight victory.
“It means the world to us.”
When you see all the people who have participated for three or four years and how many Kiwis have supported us, Berling said, “There were messages from everywhere, from the prime minister to the schoolchildren, and that means the world to us. We are overwhelmed by what we have achieved as a group. “
President Jacinda Ardern immediately announced her support for the upcoming America’s Cup. “The New Zealand team has made us all proud once again having won the Copa America like the New Zealand Cup. We want to see all of this again in 2023. The government has already agreed to support the successful America’s Cup team so that they can stay together while they plan the next defense of Auld Mugg.” “.
“You can just take off your hat.”
“It was a great experience, congratulations to the New Zealand team,” said Bruni. “I’d also like to congratulate Luna Rossa, we have shown the world that we can do this. And yes, it’s been bad luck for the past few days, but we’ve done a great job as a team.”
Spithill was very disappointed, but admitted the superiority of the opponent. “I felt we could have won a few more races against the New Zealanders. But to be honest, sometimes it felt like we got into a gun-for-knife duel. You did an amazing job and developed a great device. You can just take off your hat.”