KEY POINTS:
Quickly, a swagger had returned to the national step. The authority evident in Team New Zealand's 5-0 triumph over Luna Rossa in the Louis Vuitton Cup has people relishing the upcoming America's Cup clash with Alinghi. Talk of revenge hangs in the air, and already planning is under way for Auckland to host the next series.
Prudence, however, suggests a note of caution. There is no doubt that Emirates Team New Zealand have performed magnificently in coming back from the ghastly defeat in 2003, and that the extent of their superiority over the Italian syndicate bodes well for the cup challenge.
Such a strong display has, traditionally, been a forerunner to the claiming of yachting's greatest prize. Alinghi, however, show every indication of being no ordinary defender.
New Zealanders need no reminding of how comprehensively they outsailed every opponent four years ago. They should also not have to be reminded that, despite the departure of Russell Coutts, the Swiss retain the services of some of the cream of this country's sailors - names such as Brad Butterworth, Murray Jones and Simon Daubney.
Or that, thanks to the wealth of billionaire Ernesto Bertarelli, Alinghi have wanted for nothing in their preparation for this first defence on European waters.
We know the Swiss boat has been fast in the racing leading up to this regatta, and that the syndicate have a new boat which may be even quicker. We will not know a great deal more until the first race is sailed in a fortnight. But no one should be in any doubt about the difficulty of Team New Zealand's task.
Expectations have been exceeded, but now is a time for cool heads, both here and on board the black boat.
