KEY POINTS:
The 5-0 scoreline is becoming a familiar aspect of the America's Cup. It was the result in 1995 when NZL32, aka Black Magic, defeated Stars and Stripes, in the process becoming only the second non-American boat in the 150-year history of the event to win the Auld Mug. In 2000, the Kiwis saw off a challenge by the Prada syndicate by the same decisive margin. And 5-0 - or rather 0-5 - was the ignominious result in 2003 when the Alinghi syndicate, strengthened by defections from Team New Zealand, thumped a Kiwi crew hampered by multiple gear failures including the spectacular snapping of a mast.
Now Team New Zealand has emerged from the Louis Vuitton Cup on the right side of a 5-0 scoreline and public attention is turning to Valencia. The possibility presents itself that we may be able to reclaim match racing's greatest prize and, in doing so, avenge the sense of betrayal that we felt when Russell Coutts et al jumped ship.
A slightly stuttering start notwithstanding, Team New Zealand has conducted an exemplary campaign thus far, delivering the goods without fanfare and easily brushing aside the Italians. In terms of budget, the Kiwis must go into the challenge as underdogs, but they go as a team - rather than a corporate giant - well led and well prepared. If good wishes alone can fill their sails, they will win handsomely.
