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The lynchpin of the New Zealand team, Blair Tuke, was a boy in shorts watching from the dock when the Kiwis last defended the America’s Cup in 2000.
You recall seeing those Peter Blake inspired heroes enslaved – men like Russell Coutts, Brad Butterworth and Murray Jones – perform their special feats for New Zealand, and clearly something resonated.
The boy had his heroes, and they appeared in his dreams.
RICKY WILSON / Stuff
Blair Tuke lifts the Auld Cup for the second time as New Zealand once again takes over the world of sailing.
A few years later, Tuke was emulating those heroes, eventually getting good enough to get on board with Peter Burling and win eight world championships and a pair of Olympic medals in the 49er, and then get the call-up for the team. from New Zealand where I would. Be part of the team that brought the America’s Cup to Bermuda with such memorable style.
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* The joyous presentation of the America’s Cup crowns the glory day of Team NZ
* ‘Absolutely unreal’: New Zealand team helmsman Peter Burling impressed by America’s Cup victory
The 31-year-old from Northland recalled those early inspirations on Wednesday in Auckland after playing his role as a flight controller, essentially executing the foils that are such an important part of these AC75 boats, in the team’s fourth America’s Cup win. from New Zealand, and only his second successful defense.
TVNZ
The New Zealand team celebrates retaining the America’s Cup.
It had been a struggle for a while there, as Luna Rossa pulled off a 3-2 lead that had this nation of 5 million on the brink of its collective seat.
But then came the correction that captivated a country and lifted the oldest trophy in international sport when the New Zealand team achieved five consecutive victories to take the 7-3 triumph.
“I was 10 or 11 when the New Zealand team first defended the Cup in 2000,” recalled an ecstatic Tuke after a 46-second victory on Wednesday that sent central Auckland into a burst of delirious celebration.
Fiona Goodall / Getty Images
Blair Tuke of the New Zealand team celebrates with his father Andy after the America’s Cup victory against Luna Rossa.
“I think it was mainly in Northland, but I spent a day here looking. Many of the guys and girls behind me on the team have similar memories, so having the opportunity to sail and compete for Team NZ and defend it is a great honor.
“The way we put together the campaign was a close battle. Luna Rossa really came out shooting and took it to us, but we got into the series a little bit and got better and better with each race and today was a great race for us and it really showed the speed of the boat.
“It was a good way to end that.”
THINGS
For the last time, Todd Niall and Duncan Johnstone take a look at the latest New Zealand Cup winning race and look to the future of the America’s Cup.
Later, drenched in champagne, with the Auld Mug proudly displayed in front of him, Tuke was asked about those seeds that were sown for him in 2000, and the responsibility of perhaps inspiring a new generation of kiwi sailors now.
“The America’s Cup, the way it captures New Zealanders is very unique,” Tuke said. Things during a brief respite from the celebrations going on around the Auckland Viaduct.
“Everyone in the country has memories of the Copa América and where they were when they saw it. It is no different for all of us on the team.
“For us, now, having the opportunity to represent our country and win the cup again in local waters is something we are very honored to do.
“Going into this, we knew what that meant. We embraced it and embraced it for what it was.
“That does not make us light. Defending him again and knowing that he is with us a little more is incredible. I hope Kiwi kids across the country, not just those in the Hauraki Gulf or those looking in Auckland, top to bottom, can see this and enjoy it.
“It’s a great battle to get it back up again, but it’s amazing for New Zealand.”
That was why Tuke was still pinching himself late into the night for the special moment that unfolded when this fabulous team was given that massive trophy to keep for the next three, four, or so many years before anyone finds a way to defeat them. in water.
NATALIE CROCKETT / THINGS
The fans show their appreciation for the New Zealand team.
“That was a special moment to understand how much work is required to defend this and try to win it again, with 100-150 people in what was a very difficult year last year. It means a lot and why it was a special afternoon today.
“It was a great fight these guys have put up. They really came out shooting and we had to respond and improve. We are proud of how we did it. We had to learn some different pre-start techniques than perhaps we had trained.
“But that is the strength of the group, being able to learn and adapt to new situations. And the boat we had was a weapon. It would have been great maybe with a little more wind to bring it to its full potential, but even in these conditions it was fine. “
RICKY WILSON / Stuff
The old signature of Blair Tuke and Peter Burling puts their hands back in the America’s Cup.
Tuke was especially proud of the way Team NZ finished this captivating race. They had kicked clear with a crucial double win on Monday, then dueling the Italians in a forceful match run on Tuesday to take them to match point.
They then sealed the deal in style with a brilliant tactical effort early Wednesday, and then a show of speed Luna Rossa just couldn’t live with.
“We had to prove it and I am very proud to have done it during the last week. We built the series very well and finishing that race at the end was special. “
Inspirational stuff. The next generation is on the alert.
