Team New Zealand celebrate fourth America's Cup win

Huge crowds gathered in Auckland yesterday as Team New Zealand beat Italy's Luna Rossa 7-3 to win their fourth America's Cup and retain the world's oldest international sporting trophy.

Team New Zealand secured the 36th America's Cup with with a 46-second win in race 10 off the coast east of Auckland.

Securing the best-of-13 series, TNZ helmsman Peter Burling told media "we're blown away by what we've achieved as a group."

This was TNZ's fourth triumph, following wins in 1995, 2000 and 2017.

New Zealand Prime Ninister Jacinda Ardern said the team had made the country proud, stating "we want to see it all over again in 2023.

"The government has already agreed that the successful America's Cup team will be supported to stay together while it plans its next defence of the Auld Mug."

This was Italy's third defeat in three America's Cup matches, having lost 5-0 to TNZ in 2000 and 4-1 to the United States in 1992.

The America's Cup has lured a 50,000-strong crowd to Auckland's waterfront each day this week, while Waitematā Harbour has hosted a huge spectator flotilla of up to 2000 vessels.

Hospitality venues and event organisers are already declaring the event a success.