New Zealand celebrates, looks to America's Cup

Gurdian Unlimited

New Zealand celebrated after waking up to news of a whitewash in the Louis Vuitton Cup, with revenge against America's Cup holder Alinghi swiftly becoming the next priority.

Team New Zealand's 5-0 victory in Valencia, which happened just after 0300 local time, dominated early morning news broadcasts and Internet sites.

The Team New Zealand slogan of "let's bring it home" -- referring to New Zealand's previous stint as holder of the America's Cup -- was mirrored in local media reports.

"One cup down, one to go," said the Dominion Post newspaper, while the New Zealand Herald said "Team NZ gets chance for revenge".

By winning the Louis Vuitton Cup, Team New Zealand has earned the right to challenge the Swiss syndicate Alinghi for the America's Cup in a best-of-nine series starting on June 23.

The mayor of New Zealand's largest city, Auckland, Dick Hubbard, said it was ready to show its support for the America's Cup, with screens likely to be set up for public viewing of the final series.

"We hope Aucklanders show their support as it comes down to crunch time," Hubbard said in a statement.

Auckland was the home of the cup when New Zealand held it between 1995 and 2003, and Hubbard said the city was ready to host it again.

"All that stands in the way now is a rematch with Alinghi, and we're confident the boys can secure a victory," Hubbard said.

New Zealand's 5-0 defeat at the hands of Alinghi and its Kiwi-dominated crew in 2003 caused widespread despair and fuelled determination to win the cup back.