America's Cup: Diehard Kiwi camp followers become scarcer breed

Name: America's Cup: 'We're not losing the faith'
Uploaded: 2013-09-23T11:14:46+12:00
Duration: 118 s
Description: Fans & supporters are not losing the faith after Team NZ were defeated in two races in a row to take Oracle 5-8 as we move to race 16 & 17 on the 17th day of the 34 America's Cup, the longest in the history for a team to claim the auld mug.

NZ Herald

23 Sep, 2013 05:30 PM2 mins to read

Fans & supporters are not losing the faith after Team NZ were defeated in two races in a row to take Oracle 5-8 as we move to race 16 & 17 on the 17th day of the 34 America's Cup, the longest in the history for a team to claim the auld mug.

Please, just let the America's Cup be over - that's how half of the regatta's audience is feeling after another day passing without a Team New Zealand victory.

Fans are starting to feel fatigue after waking up morning after morning to watch the racing at 8am, but seeing their team get beaten by Oracle, the clock, or have the event dragged out for yet another day because of the conditions.

Readers of nzherald.co.nz were asked: "How are you feeling about the America's Cup? (Be honest)".

And an overwhelming 49 per cent said "Please. Just let it end."

But 18 per cent - the next biggest grouping - said they were feeling good because "it's turned into a real regatta" and 16 per cent have been keeping the faith and said they were "super-psyched".

However, the drawn-out competition has left the interest waning of 15 per cent of the more than 10,000 respondents.

The mixture of emotion is being reflected online as social media users debate whether Team New Zealand can bring it home after the country was so confident the crew could last week.

After yesterday morning's racing, Justin Harlick said on the nzherald.co.nz's Facebook page that it was a joke, it looked like America would win the whole thing and that he didn't even want to watch it any more.

Some believe it's a New Zealand win either way because Oracle's boat was built in Warkworth by Kiwis. "The design team included Kiwis, as does the crews on the competing boats, it's too awesome. Kiwis are winning all the way!" Kathy McLean said online.

And Christopher Tipper said Team NZ could still win. "Congratulations to Oracle USA winning both races, they did look strong today. NZ needs to look at strategy and what are Team USA strengths and weaknesses. I have faith in Team NZ!"