Speaking to the Bay of Plenty Times from Bermuda earlier today, Heather Burling, of Tauranga, admitted to feeling on edge and a bit scared watching the team battle to make the final.
Mrs Burling said it was stressful and "a little bit scary" watching her son Peter (helmsman and Tauranga sailor) lead Team New Zealand.
"You feel that support from the country. I think we probably do not see as much of it being away as what we would being at home.
"It is kind of scary the weight of the expectation of the country. But we all know what America's Cup fever is like," she said.
Earlier, Tauranga Yacht and Power Boat Club commodore Nick Wrinch said he had been getting up early to watch the America's Cup most mornings.
"It is a bit of a nerve-racking time of course," he said. "Nobody wants to say too much too soon."
Mr Wrinch said all Team New Zealand needed was "one win" in tomorrow's last three races. "Just one win and we will be fine."
Burling, made a mistake in this morning's racing which could have costed New Zealand the vital win.
He admitted at a post-race press conference it was his blunder at the final gate that almost saw Artemis grabbing race victory.
"I think it possibly was not one of his finest moments," Mr Wrinch said.
"But considering the pressure he is under, I guess we are all only human. I am sure he will come the wiser very soon."
Mr Wrinch knew Mr Burling on a personal level having watched the Tauranga sailor grow up at the club.
Current standings
Team New Zealand: 4
Artemis Racing: 2
Tomorrow's schedule:
Race 7: NZL v SWE (5:12am)
Race 8: SWE v NZL (5:51am)
Race 9: NZL v SWE (6:30am)
