KEY POINTS:
Here is an earlier selection of Your Messages to the team:
Nedax (Wellington)
Looks like the boys have been hiding the fruit, judging by the way NZL92 blitzed LR in race three. Spithill had 92 held above the start line, therefore it's curious why he did not lock them out above the start boat and also the made mistake of taking the middle of the line rather than committee boat advantage. As for the debate on LR taking back on to port after the start, he would have needed 40-50m advance to safely cross in the lighter air. They only got to 26m max. Looks good for 5 zip.
Luna Rossa forever
Emirates certainly deserve credit for their on the water performance, yet their supporters do not. Their attitude to others and their drinking behaviour is doing nothing but embarrassing Kiwis everywhere. Both Luna Rossa and Alinghi members and supporters are being treated disgustingly, and maybe it's time to stop acting like New Zealanders own the place. Support your team, by all means, but don't knock those who are also trying their best to win the cup and the people who have been here for years, not just passing tourists. We still have our dignity regardless, but the kiwis here won't even know if they do or not over their hangovers. I am embarrassed to be from New Zealand.
Kiwi in Canuck-land (Canada)
I'm loving what I am seeing so far. There is no live TV coverage here in land-locked Alberta, but live sailing via the internet is the next best thing (and I visit the NZ Herald website, among many others, to get the latest news/opinions). I do have one niggling worry though and it is in similar vein to "Mike of Manukau's" comment. Being a natural cynic, I wouldn't be surprised to see (assuming we beat Luna Rossa) Alinghi invite Luna Rossa for some "friendly" competition before the America's Cup. There is so much money at stake that both the Italians and Swiss would prefer for the cup to stay in Europe. They may collaborate to ensure that Alinghi win. The pay-off could be a commitment from Alinghi to hold the next cup competition in Italy (Alinghi are under no obligation to hold the competition in Valencia again if they do win). I hope this doesn't happen.
Kiwifan
I was surprised to see no comment regarding Brad Butterworth's Sky Sports UK interview where he stated that his preference is to race Lunna Rossa in the final and that Europe is a better venue. Who for? Maybe for his future employment. The interview has been replayed at least twice. Remember, it wasn't only Russell Coutts who deserted NZ.
Ann from Peabody (Massachusetts, USA)
We've been watching the races from the USA. Our daughter and her family live in Auckland hence our interest. Go New Zealand! Glad to be introduced to the sport of sailing and trying to learn about the terms and tactics.
Kiwi Lisa (Auckland)
Dean Barker and his team, landlubbers as well as sailors, are simply all fanztastic. Of course, they'll whack Luna Rossa - exactly the same way Team NZ did it in Hauraki Gulf back in 2000. And who sailed the last race to 5-0 back then - Dean Barker, of course.
Mary (Philadelphia, USA)
I am a Kiwi living in Philadelphia and I am thoroughly enjoying the coverage of the LV cup here on TV. In fact, they replay it three times a day, so I am getting my fill of NZ sailing. It makes me so proud to see Team NZ coming back so strong after the last disaster in NZ. When the cup does come back to NZ, if any US or European teams don't want to come, we say to them "Oh well...we won't be pushed around by them"
Dave (Dunedin)
I am pleased with the progress that Emirates Team NZ are making. I have been impressed with the starts and I feel that we can keep it up. I still feel that we are not showing all our stuff yet but are holding something back for the final America's Cup races against the defender. It is good to see the country getting behind the campaign and seeing NZL92 showing the NZ flag from the mast made me feel proud to be a Kiwi. I think that Luna Rossa did us a favour by beating Chris Dixon's team, as they were the ones to beat. I think Dean Barker has got it over James Spithall when it comes to the starts, which is good to see, and I hope he keeps it up for a long time yet. It is good to see a Kiwi beating an Aussie as well and I have been thinking that we can do it and are sailing away from the others.
Ure
Kiwi spectators drunk in Valencia? Noooo. It can't be true. How will the Spanish cope? They are used to thousands of Pommie and German football supporters drinking and going to bed at 8.30. What will they think of NZ? The wowsers worry they might consider us to be Australian. Shock horror. Must be because some of the kiwis seem to be enjoying themselves. Can't have that. I dunno we should even care. If it annoys the locals enough they will toss a few of the worst offenders in jail for a while, but going by the rather tame behaviour that the sons and daughters of NZ's bourgois have been putting on so far. If they did they would be showing considerably less tolerance than the Spanish police generally do.
Baggycat
I am not a yachting maniac but have enjoyed watching these races. Congratulations to the whole team. You can only do your best, and the best is yet to come.
Peter Gardner
We are so proud of you guys! Your dedication, your enthusiasm, your teamwork, and of course your skill are all totally admirable. We are with you all the way, and believe that you will give Alinghi a hell of a fight.
Giuseppe Di Stefano
I would like to congratulate with the Team New Zealand for the good job in Valencia, up to now. In any case, I presume the match is not over yet and we all will assist from this time forth to good fighting in the water!
Lily (Cagliari, Sardinia)
After listening and reading a month's worth of rubbish aimed at Dean Barker and our boys here in Italy, I am more than a little comfortable to say "Eat your heart out" to my Italian peers. Italians in general tend to talk too much and way too soon. Grant Dalton has done a marvellous job with the team, leading, directing, drilling them like they're about to participate in the Tour de France. Yes, it's still early to comment on whether we have the right to challenge Alinghi, however 3-0 up, can only make our team and supporters more determined. All the best to Grant, Dean and the boys. No doubts will see some of you in Porto Cervo for the Maxi's.
Ex-Pat
Go the rockin' kiwis. Stick it up 'em, I know u can do it.
Bazz (Whitianga)
Cheers lads, keep up the good work. I had cancer at the cup race in Aussie and I just had to stay alive for the next one and the next one and the next one and I'm still going. I record it and after getting the result I watch it as to take the pressure off the result. Being a P class yachty from way back (P.30) I follow every move. Just keep covering.
Pablo
Yawn. You've been lucky so far. Wait until the actual racing starts, then we'll see how much NZ loves you.
Ray ColumbusOBE,CM
Congrats to Grant,Dean and Emirates Team New Zealand,keep up the great work.Stay as cool as you are.Cool Kiwis rock.
Pinky 99 from Auckland
Well done guys and keep it up the good work. I watch this all the time @ nite go hard and play fair.
Leticia P (Auckland)
WTG Team New Zealand! Your making us all very proud...Mum was sitting on her bed watching, Waving her red socks! It Worked! You guys did it again!
Go Hard and show the world that NZ is the best!
Linda
Way to go Team NZ. Keep it up.
Grandad (Hamilton)
Sail away team NZ. Good luck and good hunting.
Tim
Go you good thing!
Bridget (North shore/Auckland)
Go Team NZ, it's been fantastic watching you guys race you've gone from strength to strength since your first race in the Prelim Louis Vuitton races. Your doing us proud!Go NZL92. =)
Kiwi in Oz
As a Kiwi living in Australia, missing live television coverage (no Aussie boat - no TV!!)but watch every night the animation and listen to the audio downloaded from Americas Cup website (sorry should that be Kiwi Cup site). Win or lose, proud of you Team NZ. Very professional, look great and outstanding sailors.
Shelley Moore
Hi Stu
Good luck to you and the team.
Erin Dinneen
Down to the business end of things. All of us at Les Mills wish you guys the best. Go get 'em.
John
Go Don Deano!
Gordon Taylor
Go guys. There are heaps of Kiwis sporting owl eyes. Just love the way you have got your act together. Please keep it up - we are all hoping like hell that you continue to give the Italians a lesson in sailing. Do us all a favour - when you face Alinghi rub Butterworth and Cos noses in it guys.
Andrew from the shore
Hey guys. I am staying up every night to watch you race against Prada. I think it is soo great what you are doing for New Zealand. Keep up the great work and I will continue to watch you beat those italians!Best of luck , you guys are great.
Lilian & Alastair
Hi Team Kiwis,Love supporting the Black Boat and the team and have followed you through the ups and downs. Never mind bring back Buck - bring back the cup. Good Luck - supporting you all the way.
Mark
Is it possible for the power companies to reduce the current supplied to homes when bills are not paid? This would be like Telecom, which provides a 111 services when their service is withdrawn because of non-payment. If this was able to be done, customers would then have an option on what they wanted to use, be it boil the kettle or heat some water but not both!
CNM (Waikato Hospital)
We are all watching you and wishing you well. Bring home the cup once again. Best wishes from the staff and patients in ward four.
Nomes (Calgary, Canada)
Hey you guys Rock!!! I am so excitied to check the NZ Herald site every day to see what's happening!!!! Go team NZ, go, shame these Canadains have no idea what its all about :) And good on ya all those Kiwis who are there each day cheering the team on, the photos look really cool!
Smithy
As a yachty and member of the RNZYS all the members are 100 per cent behind team NZ. We at the squadron are ready to receive the silver ware.Best wishes, to all, go team NZ.
Paul Brown (Mt Roskill)
Not only does the boat look great it's nice knowing the our technology holds up pretty well against the rest of the world - looking forward to having the next cup televised at a civilised hour.Here's to the next cup challengers!
Harun family from Manukau City
Great stuff Team NZ, we are extremely proud of you and our fullest support all the way, regardless of outcome (and lack of sleep). Americas Cup can be New Zealand's Cup once again. See you guys at the Queen Street parade soon.
Den (Muriwai Beach)
No pressure. But it would be really good if you can bring that really big, really nice silver cup back to NZ. I reckon it would look really good over the mantlepiece or on top of the china cabinet - let me know if you need any doylies! All seriousness, You have worked so hard for it and we are all proud of your efforts so far! Not long to go now!Dig Deep!
Kiwi in Canada
Bustin' with pride in British Columbia, "Way to go ETNZ."
Victor Chan
Good on you all.. A couple more we will take the American Cup back and maybe named it Kiwi Cup.
Paul Lightfoot
All the best lads, you're doing a fantastic job!
Ev @TCL
Good luck; I know that probably hasn't got a lot to do with it, because you guys are skilled professionals. Dean you are doing great things, and whatever happens these wins have been awesome to watch! I maybe back at home in a Auck, but I'm with you guys at night watching on the edge of my seat "In ValeNZia"You guys are making us proud!! Here we are a miniscule population in relation to the others, with not as much funding, but there you are representing us, as one of the best in the world!! (and possibly being proved again as the best in the world) Not bad for a country with the population of one medium sized city.I know its all "steady state" for you guys and that's working really well for you, but be aware, we're going to give you a massive welcome when you come home. Its really good to have guys like yourselves out there doing the absolute very best that you possibly can, and we appreciate you for it! Keep it up guys! You're all a great inspiration to the rest of us slackers ;)
Barry from Auckland
Great work guys and gals! Keep it up! Give 'em a taste of Kiwi and we are on our way over to see you beat Alinghi.
Ellanddee from the winterless north
Go all the team. We are behind you 100 per cent. Eyes are starting to need propping open so do your best to finish the job 5 zip. We are so proud of you all.
The Ratumu Family in Auckland
Good luck Team New Zealand.Remember: If everyone in your waka has the same vision and can see the outcome on the horizon, you must all then row the waka in the same direction."
FredR from Auckland, a faithful supporter
Pride and joy having Team NZ representing our nation of kiwis with; professionalism, skill, commitment and humbleness. What matters cost when measured against the human tide of endeavour exhibited by our team. Go Team NZ Go.
CTT - Auckland
Go boys!! we are all watching every race glued to the screen! really proud of you all!
Kate Bennett
Rock on Team NZ we know that you can do it. Watch out Alinghi here we come. Only two more to go and then its 5 zip. We are all behind you and our support and thoughts are with you. Go Team NZ Go Go Go.
Katheren Leitner
Well done to all the team on and off the water.You are inspiring a nation - thank you.
Ebony from Auckland
Tremendous job you're doing Team NZ - keep up the good work, you make us fly the NZ flag with pride.
Kiwigirl (Montclair,Virginia, USA)
Our whole family watch ever race, The crew is a joy to watch. In the true kiwi way it is get on with the next race. we plan on being in auckland for the next cup race as we were for the last . Go Team NZ, you do every Kiwi proud no matter where they live in the world. We loved the huge kiwi flag.
Davidsons (Napier)
I have tried sleeping but wake ever hour wondering how you are going.I will give up on the sleep and stay up with my milk milos. You are looking very smooth. We are all very proud of your efforts. PS: Prada suits are cool,but when it matters the boys with Swandris rule.
Wanaka Jo
To Dean & the boys,
You are doing a fantastic job, keep it up.Win or lose, we are all proud of you.
Ben from Mangere
Good luck boys, bring it home. Che Che boyz!
Canterbury
Go Team New Zealand!! Bring it back! You have the goods to do that!
Emma
Go Team NZ! Although tired we are religiously watching every race! All the best!
Pam from Bucklands Beach
Go guys you are doing so well - the country is behind you and keep up the winning - all your hardwork is paying off!
Murray Batger
Go you Kiwis.
Only two wins away.Need to catch up on some sleep before the Americas Cup.Boat is looking quick.