"We are just going to put the finishing touches on it now," said Tauranga's Team NZ helmsman Peter Burling.
That was when a crowd of about more than 100 fans at Tauranga Yacht and Power Boat Club leaped into applause.
Fans of all ages gathered at the yacht club to watch Team NZ and Oracle in the race to seven series.
The room filled with cheer when the boats crosses the start line.
Tauranga fan Clare Bailey woke up early to watch the race.
Mrs Bailey was here with her father Ivor Drought, who had his eyes glued to the big screen.
"His dad Burt was a founding member of the yacht club in South Hampton, England," she said.
"It would have been his dad's 106th birthday today."
Mrs Bailey's son sailed in Tauranga. "We moved here from Taupo for his sailing."
Mrs Bailey's mother was wearing a black and white NZ flag in support of Peter Burling's team.
"It's coming home, it's coming home," she chanted.
Her sister-in-law and brother had brought their 6-week-old baby to watch the game.
Mrs Bailey said her family had watched the cup races all the way through.
Celebrating in the jovial atmosphere at Tauranga Waterfront as Team NZ brought home the win, Monique Lints from Te Puke said she was so glad the cup is coming home
"I'm so glad to history in the making. That is what got us up this morning. I wanted my boys to see it."
Suzie Edmonds wiped back tears as Team NZ crossed the finish line.
"Peter the Piston has brought it home.
"They're such a young team. It's exciting and bringing it back to New Zealand is going to be bigger than we can imagine."
Katie Jones said the race was amazing and she was so proud of the team.
Ross Shilling said it was pretty cool to see Team NZ win.
There were about 300 people braving the frosty weather to watch the race, all rugged up in hats and red socks.
Some were wrapped in sleeping bags, others were still wearing their pyjamas.
Back at the Tauranga Yacht Club, champagne is flowing to celebrate the win.
Club commodore Nick Wrinch said he was still in shock to see Team NZ win the race.
"It is great, I am so impressed."
He described racing this morning as "clinical".
"He did not win the start but they showed that they could go so fast down wind. He took control of the match and won it."
Mr Wrinch said it was great to see the club so full.
"It is wonderful, so fantastic."
He did not know when Burling would be back.
"I am sure we will be having something like a little welcome home."
He was proud to watch Tauranga's Burling as helmsman.
"He is our boy. We are very proud, so proud. My heart is still beating. I cannot believe what I just saw."
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