Capital turnout for Cup heroes

WELLINGTON - Sir Peter Blake took the America's Cup to Parliament yesterday before a heroes' welcome through the streets of the capital for Team New Zealand and rivals Prada.

Winning had been "the country's effort," not just Auckland's, he told a parliamentary reception. A vital part had been people wearing "funny red socks" all over New Zealand.

Prime Minister Helen Clark paid tribute to the sportsmanship of both teams, saying Prada were gracious in defeat.

She gave syndicate boss Patrizio Bertelli a Tom Scott cartoon of the Italian boat Luna Rossa being slowed by a giant red sock on its keel.

Downtown, about 50,000 people turned out to congratulate the winning sailors. Hundreds gathered at Parliament Buildings and in central city parks, while others chose high-rise balconies at the Beehive and along the parade route as vantage points.

Suited civil servants, lunchtime joggers and schoolchildren in uniforms throwing ticker-tape joined the celebrations.

Businesses also came to the party with some shops sporting congratulatory banners while exclusive department store Kirkcaldie and Stains flew giant red socks from its flag poles.

Mingling with the crowd were some more well-known faces such as Telecom chairman Rod Deane and New Zealand First leader Winston Peters.

Sir Peter Blake, flanked by a kaumatua and the PM, led the team down the steps of Parliament to rapturous applause, with Prada received almost as warmly.

The ever-fashionable Italians, stepping out in blue blazers and beige trousers, put their designer sneakers to good use and walked ahead.

A replica of Black Magic preceded Team New Zealand and a cloak of confetti covered Dean Barker, Tom Schnackenberg and Brad Butterworth as they climbed onto the first of a convoy of Toyota utes.

Sir Peter and Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron commodore Peter Kingston took the last ute with the Auld Mug as the crowd went wild.

- NZPA