Hundreds welcome triumphant yachties
There were loud cheers, applause and even a few tears as Team New Zealand finally arrived home with the silverware everyone has been longing to see.
Hundreds of fans turned out at Auckland International Airport to welcome the team home after an earlier delay to their Emirates flight yesterday morning.
As members of the team walked through the arrivals gate, there was a raucous applause as Team NZ chief Grant Dalton and helmsman Peter Burling raised the coveted America’s Cup above their heads.
Burling kept his words simple when addressing the crowd, saying: “We’re just enjoying this moment.
“To bring the Cup home has just blown us away.”
Dalton told the crowd there was a lot of emotion and they were “so proud” to bring the Auld Mug to New Zealand.
“It’s an overwhelming feeling of just pride.”
Skipper Glenn Ashby added: “It’s largely redemption for the whole team and for the whole country, from San Francisco.”
Sailor Blair Tuke said it was “a lot of hard work” before the campaign to get to the Cup home.
“We’re just going to enjoy this — it’s a heck of a milestone.”
The crew was welcomed home with a powhiri performed by members of Ngati Whatua.
Many fans who turned out yesterday were decked out in Team NZ shirts and colours. A few lucky youngsters got the day off school to
HWatch the video at nzherald.co.nz see their favourite sailors and also get a glimpse of the America’s Cup.
Some held up home-made banners.
Others waved around signs saying “We love Emirates Team New Zealand.”