KEY POINTS:
Vicki Bailey
Beaten by A-Dinghy! Team NZ did an amazing job, we should mount another campaign, and if its 2 years - great, we don't have to wait so long to have the Cup back home!
sutho
I thought Barker was useless.How can you be leading by 3 boat lengths at the 2nd mark and not choose to take the right hand/starboard side? Jeeez you'd think he's learnt from the run to the first mark? Blunder #1. Take the Port tack. And run into the same stuff all over again as before. Then...wait for it 2. when he realizes he doesn't have enough meters to go in front of Butternut he turns his boat into the bow of Alinghi and tries to force the boat away as if he has the right of way? Derrrrrrrr. Oh we got an unfair penalty? It was a stupid move with no plan whatsoever. He knew what he was doing when he tried to force Butternut away and thereby gave away the race with a penalty. If he had not tried an illegal move he would've easily won and the series would be alive. Honestly? I didn't give a toss in the end it was a young naive kid who made alot of blunders (not only in this race but he last three) up against the old master Butternut himself. Mr Judas.We did not deserve to win the AC. What a waste of 33 million.
Nikki (Sydney)
Proud to be a New Zealander. What an exciting finish. Thank you for the entertainment. Now looking forward to some early nights.
Paul, London usually, but Tokyo right now
I've just read a fair selection of the comments posted so far and I'm truly embarrassed to be a NZer!! Those with all the negative comments who were only a day or two ago cheering for Team NZ, you epitomise what a bad sport is. People calling the NZ Allinghi boys traitors and saying they will spit on the ground they walk on, is truly disgusting behavious. I haven't lived in NZ for 5 years but am still fiercely loyal to all things and all teams from NZ. Sadly I see the behaviour Ernesto Bertarelli was talking about seems prevalent in NZ which is a shame as I remember NZers being good losers as well as gracious winners. I hope when I return home in 2 years time the attitudes have changed dramatically. Take a look at yourselves and adjust accordingly!That aside, well done Fellas, you didn't win but by god you made me and all other Kiwis I know proud. It was without doubt the most enthralling series for a long time. I sincerely hope that there will be a Team NZ competing next time around - one that is even stronger for the hard knocks learned from this challenge and the previous defence. Chins up guys, keep your heads held high and return home with pride.
chirpi
As much as the pain of losing hurts, you have to say yes, Butterworth is. How do we get him back?
Walter Schuhmacher
I congratulate the team NZ for being such a fantastic challenger to Alighi. I believe most of us are well aware that Alinghi is not 'Swiss' as it was often called in the media. Its only Swiss based and had only 'half' a Swiss on board. Bertarelli is Italian born and dual Swiss citizen who fulfilled his dream with his fathers billions. On the other hand in many teams in the Louis Vuitton Cup many Kiwis were on board. And besides Brad Butterworth as the brain of Alinghi five other Kiwis were team members. NZ can be proud to have the best sailors in the world. And we Swiss learned thanks Bertarelli for the second time what a fantastic sport sailing is.
Ian Morine
If "Auckland" is so anti our tax monies going toward another America's Cup challenge, and he says he is a "Capitalist", he must then surely realise the importance of "spending money to make money", I would have thought? Isn't that one of the basic principles of business - anywhere? National supporters don't understand the importance of promoting NZ overseas. Labour since 2000 have spent more promoting NZ to our overseas markets than all previous governments put together - hence the huge payout to our Dairy farmers !Go Team NZ - next time !
Terry McCartney
Yay, its all over. I must confess I could never really get interested in this event. To say its a "sport" in the true sense of the word is misleading. Most sports in New Zealand allow everybody a more or less equal opportunity to play, at whatever level. In the yachting world, only one thing matters, money. And lots of it. My personal opinion is that it lends itself to a participation where it becomes elitist, where if you don't have the cash or you're not prepared to mortgage the house to get it, forget it. It is also an egotistical sport. Who really believes that the crews in the Americas Cup in this and past events really give a hoot about doing it for their country??Sure, a campaign win is a bonus and most of the country won't begrudge a congratulations here and there, but make no mistake, this is more about proving themselves better sailors than the rest of the world and their drive comes from within, not from some sense of allegiance or desire to win for their country. The government has indicated it will again pour masses of tax paying dollars into the next campaign. Our current Sports Minister must be laughing all the way to Valencia.
True Kiwi
He is not a New Zealander - enough said.. God help him if he ever returns home. I would rather not even compete at the America's Cup than have the 5 traitors back.
JB
Butterworth? NZ's greatest sportsman of all time? That surely is a rhetorical question!
Would be more appropriate that he stays where he is then he could become Switzland' s greatest sportsman --- or will it be the US greatest sportsman --- take your (Butterworth expletive) pick!
Sailor
Enough of this 'tratior' talk!! He is a man who is extremely talented and has the oppourtunity to be ranked the best in the world. This a position that New Zealand would not have encouraged or been able to support as there are too many big heads (well...one really big head) trying to run the show and Brad would have been just another crew member. Brad Butterworth is a leader not a follower .. leadership is not encouraged in TNZ. Go for it Brad and make your money while you can, I and many others in the professional circuit completely support you. New Zealand is just too small to maintain every professional sailor. Kiwi sailors have been sailing for other countries for the past 20 years.... including Grant Dalton himself! No one questioned his move to sail for the Europeans in the Volvo Ocean Race.
John Sames
He maybe a good sportsman but he is not NZ's. He is still a traitor along with Coutts and all the others that sold their soul and put money ahead of nation.
Maurice WIlls
To be the greatest New Zealand Sportsman, would have to factor, some degree of loyalty.
Brad Butterworth has none to speak of what so ever.This foul mouthed gentlemen, however has won four America's Cup in a row. Which is an amazing achievement, but lets not forget that yachting is a team sport.He would have not got anywhere, if not for Sir Peter Blake, Russell Coutts, and the money of Ernesto Bertarelli to buy the best of everything money can buy.I would rather think that Brad Butterworth is a good candidate for the worst NZ sportsman ever.He is on par with Dennis Connnor,and his stomach is lined fat with greed.
SF
No, he is a disloyal traitor - just like his little buddy Coutts - make me sick, the pair of them.
Kiwi
No he is definitely not NZ's greatest sportsman. How can he be when he races against his country purely so that he can line his own pocket with money? That is not sportsmanlike, that is greed. I really don't know how he can live with himself knowing what he has taken away from his country, he is a traitor through and through and I pity him and his family if they ever decide to come back to NZ to live.
Hell No
He was taught by the greatest yachtsman ever. Sir Peter Blake and NZ as many many great sportsmen and women. To say one is better is insane.
Broker 4
Butterworth. No way. I would put Dalton as one of the best.
Glenn
I dont think so,sure he is successful but he has not won this cup for New Zealand this time and he has only ever been just a part of a winning team. No one person wins the cup and as far as I'm concerned he may be a great sports person but we should never forgive this man for helping us to win and then jumping ship in order to help take it away. I am very saddened that team nz came so close , I watched every race and will continue to support these guys, they are who NZ should be proud of and support these guys during good times and bad.
Adrian (Auckland)
Congratulations to Brad and Alinghi and well done to ETNZ for a brave campaign that any Kiwi can be proud of and hold our heads up high. To the question of whether Brad Butterworth is one of our greatest sportsmen. Brad is certainly a masterful sailor and a top class competitor. But to be classed amongst NZ's greatest sports people I think he falls short. For me, Brad has been part of a team of people achieving impressive results and while his individual contribution cannot be ignored, he has not won the America's Cup single-handed. Further to this, I think that to be considered among NZ's best you need to show additional qualities other than just winning. Sportsmanship, fair play and acting as an ambassador for NZ sport should be considered. I am not one of the people who think Butterworth is a 'traitor'. Instead I say good on him for being a professional and achieving the highest standards in his sport. He is an ambassador for NZ, but in sailing for a another syndicate I don't think his achievements have been in the best NZ spirit or interest. Is he one of NZ's greatest sportsmen? No, not on the basis of today's result.
George ( Singapore)
I am very proud of the Team NZ guys, a marvelous job and it needs to be carried on. I live off shore and this exposure does have a positive impact on New Zealand's image in a wide range of other countries. The history books will show Alhingi won the series and they won it well, let's not behave like Australians and whinge about the result, ( I cannot recall the name of the aussie boat in this series, can anyone help!) let's be good losers, get over it and plan another attack on the cup. It is good exposure for New Zealand as a whole and we should all get behind the next team that Dalton builds. If you don't want to support it fine, go and do something else, but please don't whinge.Right World Cup rugby next, go the AB's!
Chris
Butterworth and his NZ crew opted for the money over loyalty to NZ, they are not just great sailors but they were in possession of many great secrets that kept us dominant. Had they been Australian or American they would never have done it because those countries citizens seek national pride above all else, when loyalty is a choice they the fear the consequences.I know that each and every sailor that left Team NZ after the last cup win will have justified it to themselves so they can sleep at night but I am not ready to forgive greed over national pride no matter how you dress it up.Butterworth should go down as a gifted sportsman but a terrible New Zealander....someone once said its not how you start the race it is how you finish.
Darcy Snowden
Excellent investment for New Zealand businesses and the country as a whole and should be repeated next time. To place NZ on the European stage as this has would have required far greater funds. America's Cup is big business and as for calling Butterworth and Co traitors, that is something they are not. From where I was sitting Dean Barker made numerous errors and should be sacked.
Zurich, Switzerland
Relax, kiwis. The only place where some of you really run the risk to loose is if you think that this is some kind of war. This is ridiculous. NZ - and other nations - provided some good sailors, Switzerland built a competitive boat, and in the end the Alinghi team won. This time. And against a strong NZ team. That's about it. Congrats to both teams. And be proud of the kiwis in the Alinghi team. There was not enough place for all of them on the NZ boat, so we picked them up ;-)
Regarding money: of course money is an issue in such a high-tech team sport. It's up to you to decide if your government should pay millions to people who probably already have quite a lot of money. If you think that this is a good image campaign, do it. The Alinghi team is fully sponsored by privates, and people here wouldn't accept it if the government would support Alinghi instead of supporting mass sports. I am sure the NZ team would easily find enough sponsors. And I think investing money in a sports team is not the worst thing a billionaire can do with his money.
Tim
Pity we didn't win it, but great job and well done to Team NZ you have done us proud, thank you.
MC
The experience of the afterguard on Alinghi and a faster boat made all the difference. ETNZ made several very costly mistakes and I am sure that will haunt them for a while to come.
Now - the fact that Alinghi won does not in any way say how good ETNZ are. Dalts did a fantastic job to put a team together, get the sponsors and a great couple of boats together.
I am little disappointed in people who are calling ex-team NZ sailors traitors, who are against the govt giving money to the team etc etc. The problem is there will always be people who will be unhappy with any decision that is made. Our country is able to afford better roads, health and education when compared to say a 3rd world country because of our reputation to be a good tourist destination and our exports are well accepted. In a globalised economy it's not about how much taxpayers money is spent where - as long as there is balance, like it is today - it is fair. We have to compete for consumers not in NZ but all over the world to be able to afford certain things. Workers in NZ pay tax, because they have a job - they have a job because the company they work for is able to sell stuff overseas, farmers are able to sell milk products and beef and lamb overseas because people overseas know about us. This is not going to happen if you sit at the bottom of the world with not contacts.
Grow up NZ. If you want to make a difference, go and get a job, or better do something that contributes to the betterment of the whole community and you - don't complain - Losers complain!
LV
99.9 per cent of the world don't even know what the America's Cup is or that it was even on.
It's not as big an event as TVNZ and the one-eyed NZ media have made it out to be. Just look on the major new websites of the world. It's a minor news story worthy of just a couple of inches of coverage. Not the large amount of coverage that has been lavished on it in this country. Their are more important things happening in the world.
Proud supporters of Team NZ
Team New Zealand we were proud of you when you first got your team together. We were proud of you when you started your campaign. We were bursting with pride when you won the Louis Vuitton Cup and even prouder that you raced so well. We were proud as you took on Alinghi and gave them a run for their money. How are we now? Still proud. And we'll be even prouder when you pick yourselves up and say, "Lets do it again." Well done team. We are truly proud of you.
Aussie legend
Oh dear - looks like 2003 all over again my kiwi friends. In 2003 you were smashed in the Am's cup 5-0 and we smashed you in the World cup. 2007 you have been smashed (lets face it 5-2 is not really that close) and guess what - we meet you in the semi's in the World Cup. I think I would rather play NZ than any other nation. Easy beats. Time to start suffering again. Hehehehe.
Bex (Auckland)
Would there be as much debate about the Government contribution if we had won? Well down TNZ, you did me proud!
Padels of Mangahwai
I hate losing and so do the team. That aside, I hate it when our sports teams doesn't at least put up a fight (as is often in cricket). The team did lose, but boy did they fight and for that they can walk away happy (it will take a couple of days though, I know. But the best is: Dalts wants another go and the Government have not dallied with their support. Fantastic. Read Blake's book and remind yourself how many attempts he had to make before he won the Whitbread.
Matt F
There seems to be a lot a of people whinging about the level of government support TNZ received for this America's Cup. The fact is that this is more than just sport, it is about corporate organisation and design capability as well. We have proved that our special brand of public and commercial teamwork can mix it with the world's deepest pockets in this regard, and the international recognition we receive for this will generate benefits to this country that far into the future and will indirectly increase our economic health and well being as a result. 34 million bucks is a modest amount to pay for this kind of international exposure.
Kiwiboy (Auckland)
I don't really care what anyone has to say I think Team new Zealand are the best and our country has the best sailors give them all the money they need to rip apart the joke that is Swiss yachting. The tight five are tighter than a gay marriage they are losers in my eyes and every other young kiwi looking for role models. Dean and Dalton. you rock. we love ya. and you deserved to win. Alinghi, get a beach and some Swiss to row your boat then you will see just where you are in the water. Go Team New Zealand forever!
Larry Beard
Yes, Team NZ should have another crack at the cup. However, it should be remembered that the America's Cup is NOT about countries competing. It is about very rich people who see something they can't buy. To call people like Russell Coutts as traitors is "very dumb". They are businessmen, as in they go to the highest bidder. Ask yourselves if someone offers you $100k and another $3M... Who gets you? What NZers should be proud of is people recognise us as the World's greatest sailors. So the lessen here is "America's Cup is about money and NOT country".
Reply
Well done Team NZ! Second isn't last! People have to remember though the government gave them money, look at what Team NZ gave New Zealand a few years ago when the cup was held here - a lot of money from tourists! We came close again to having that back and I'm sure will regain that back next cup. NZ did us proud, like every sport you win some, you lose some! No matter who was on what boat and what country they come from, the Team NZ boat and crew all raced to compete for NZ. A bit of bad luck but the guys held there heads high to the end. It is easy for people to be critical once they lost, seems to be like that no matter what the sport in NZ. How about looking at all the good things they did, the headlines that said Alinghi was unbeatable (wrong) Team NZ beat them twice and would have been a few more if the bad luck hadn't gone there way).
Scott
Yet again a Swiss multi-billionaire wins the America's Cup with zero input from his fellow countrymen and a huge input form purchased kiwis that are willing to sell their soul for money. Bring back nationality rules and make it a competition between counties rather than people with money that can buy and sell humans.
The Pacific Cup!
I reckon a new "America's Cup" should be formed. With these characteristics:
1. Totally standardised, economical (no exotic materials) and robust boats, so it's not a money sport.
2. Nationalised teams (if you're born in NZ, then you can only compete for NZ. 'NZ versus NZ' is not overly exciting).
3. Use a permanent, expandable venue somewhere off the coast of Australia, in a good time zone. It must be on the ocean with its "heaving" swells.
4. Use very large and long (as big as the America's cup boats) and very narrow catamarans with front and back hydrofoils (they will go like high-powered speedboats on a reach - sport is drama!).
5. Call it "The Pacific Cup" because that sounds quite cool.
6. Push it as an international sport. Because it's affordable, nationalised and exciting, that's exactly what it will rapidly become.
7. Have a lovely day.
Donna
I think it is absolutely disgusting that any country can criticise another on a sporting outcome. People forget that every country plays some kind of sport and they do not always win. Leave the ETNZ negative thoughts to yourselves.
Simon (Valencia)
Three words "Gracious in defeat". The America's Cup has always been a rich man's game and always will be. If Kiwis don't like that, then they can find a cheap sport like darts that they are good at, if there is one. Just stop whining about the money. And if Kiwi sailors are so good, how is it a team that is 75 per cent Kiwi gets beaten by a team that is only 30 per cent Kiwi? Shouldn't it be the other way around?
Kiwicafe
What a campaign, what a boat race, it all came down to the wire. A more seasoned crew, not necessarily the best crew, came out on top.
The support, financial, physical, emotional and spiritual of the New Zealand people and the government were amazing. This is the best bang for the buck in advertising dollars I have seen in 40 years of advertising.
Dean, Grant, et al, you did good, now take some time, hug the wife, kick the cat and start the next campaign. We, New Zealand, is a maritime nation, we depend on it for our very survival, now we get to show off our skills and talent. Sure there were dick head kiwis in Valencia but don't buy into the kiwi disease of dissing the whole competition because we did not get to hold the cup aloft. We won on the world stage and that is priceless. Amen.
KT (Auckland)
I am really impressed with Team New Zealand. They were awesome the whole way through. They were neither poor winners nor poor losers - something which, unfortunately, cannot be said for Alinghi. They fought to the final second and it was fantastic. Thank you for a thrilling series! Not the finish we wanted, but still fantastic.
Rick (Auckland)
Well done the designers, sailmakers, forward crew and the thousands upon thousands of Team New Zealand supporters. What a shame you were let down by an inept afterguard and a skipper who has proven he can't perform at this level. If you are going to challenge again may I suggest you pay top dollar and acquire Russell Coutts otherwise forget it.
Antony
Whilst I respect the "other" kiwis who were batting for the Swiss side, my complete respect and admiration goes to Dean Barker and the rest of the ETNZ Team and organisation. I think we should and must mount another campaign, as I believe it both raises our international profile (which is always good) and our sense of nationhood. Yes there are many people who are not involved in yachting, however when our guys are racing out there, I think all of us are behind them. I call on again to the Government and other major sponsors to back another NZ AC Campaign! Go Team NZ!
Kelli
It's all about catching the wind to win. Securing a good team and having a fast boat are all the main contributors to obtain the Americas Cup. But money buys all? I don't care who wins. Emirates Team NZ certainly challenged Allingi gallantly but weren't good enough. But winning Valencia was a sufficient effort!
Auckland
More than enough has been spent on this "wealthy" enterprise in the name of sport. Tax was invented to assist he infrastructure of the country, not to give huge salaries to a few individuals who all seem to have never ending agendas to "finish the business that they started" It is a commercial reality. The people who want the Govt to pay over the tax have scant regard for all the social necessities that are required to be addressed in this country. Me? I'm a capitalist - work hard make money and pay tax. If I want to participate in a sport - I do and I pay.
Auckland
Well he is a New Zealander and he has achieved something special, so even though I hate to say it, Butterworth is among New Zealand's greatest sportsmen.
Tony Bullock
Great racing between 2 New Zealand teams. New Zealand A team beat the New Zealand B team. Next time the 'B ' Team might win.
Kylie
I'm sorry folks but at the end of the day it's a boat race. Fun to watch, but worth $10m of taxpayer's money? Aaaaaaah, nup. Like some on this board, I'd much rather see $10m go to e.g. grassroots sport (to combat the obesity epidemic in the next generation of Kiwis), health spending, more Police - anything but seeing a gaggle of professional leisure sailors get blown about in Spain. By all means sail, but finance it yourselves. And on the money subject, is there some earthly reason why TVNZ can't afford to retain the bulk of its news team, but can afford to send a planeload or two of 'personalities' to swan about for months in Valencia?
Sean (North Shore)
I do not think I have ever felt so connected to a sports match in my life! I stayed up right throughout every Louis Vuitton and America's Cup final, and can fully say that I enjoyed every single moment of the racing. Obviously, it was heartbreaking to see Alinghi cross the finish line a mere 1 second ahead of ETNZ, but at the end of the day, that's life; you don't always win. I think we need to realise that at the end of the day, Kiwis are the ones that triumph. It doesn't matter what team they're on, we're still the big winners. After all, this sporting game has once and for all turned into a game of commercialism and money. We're still proud of you all - Dean, Grant and team! You've done the country really proud.
Andre
At 2 all in the final, Team NZ could have gotten a vital break but ripped their spinnaker - how professional was that. Remember the last challenge? A boat full of water and a broken mast in two out of five lost races. Ever notice Tiger Woods damage any golf clubs playing a major or Roger Federer's tennis racquet strings breaking - of course not but they are real professionals - and they want to throw another $10 million into the sea. Don't bother wasting any more money on this so called "sport".
Paolo (USA)
First of all, a big thank you and good job to Dalts, Deano, and everybody on the team. You made all of us proud, Kiwis I'm sure and lots of non-Kiwi like me, because of your skills, professionalism, and the way you never ever gave up. As New Zealanders you should be doubly proud, because Kiwis won the America's Cup, even if perhaps not those you wished more: Alinghi without Brad and the others wouldn't have dreamed of winning. Yes, the better team won, but by a hair given by experience. ETNZ were younger, but now the future is theirs. I absolutely think there should be a TNZ next time around, and that it should be built on the 2007 ETNZ team. I hope nobody in NZ will start second guessing Dalton, Barker, Hutchinson, and the others. They have the right attitudes, they are battle tested, they will win next time.
Mish
Should we challenge again? Hell yes!
Wildman (Tallahasse, Florida, USA)
I was rooting for the Kiwi's so some landlocked nation would relinquish the cup. Very disappointed in Kiwi's multiple errors, more or less giving away two crucial races. No shirking. They could have had it. But not. Yeah, looked like the Swiss boat was a tad faster, but&. Okay, what's with the rules? Shouldn't they require a nation to have a citizen to design the boat, and at least have some crew members be of that nationality? Or just call it the Greed Cup, and sell it to the Multi-National Corporations, because any relation to nationality is pretty much a lie.
Greg James
Sadly it would appear that the best team on the day won. But the better team (Team NZ) raised a nations pride. We saw better leadership in Grant Dalton and Dean Baker. We saw a team that represented a country which also had some great sponsors who I thank as well. The battle was lost but the game has just begun.
Charlotte (Auckland)
Absolutely mount another campaign. We believe in you Team NZ!
Danielle
I would be very happy to see some of my taxes go towards another America's Cup challenge. We would get most of it back in taxes and GST which is an improvement considering the number of people who take taxpayer money and contribute nothing to society. They are a good team and we don't want to lose them all to Alinghi or Oracle! The rest have nearly