City of sails rejoices as its winners go on show

By WARREN GAMBLE

For once Team New Zealand did not mind being second.

By the time they reached the bottom mark at the end of a downhill Queen St run on Saturday, they were trailing their Italian rivals by 10 minutes. But no one was counting.

The men in black happily brought up the rear of the America's Cup victory parade, basking in a perfect Auckland summer's day and the adulation of a crowd estimated at around 200,000.

Euphoria fatigue after Thursday's Cup-day celebrations and perhaps a familiarity with the wine jug meant the scenes did not match the frenzied 1995 cup homecoming.

But Queen St was lined up to 10-deep with wellwishers from around the North Island, many adding their bit to a multicoloured ticker-tape storm.

The vanquished Prada crew, typically stylish in blazers and ties, had the rare experience of getting off the start-line ahead of the New Zealanders, walking into a reception as warm as the temperatures.

Syndicate boss Patrizio Bertelli apparently turned down rides in 16 yellow and red convertible Ferraris, preferring his crew to walk together.

"They're so sexy," whispered a young woman to a friend as the Italians sauntered past, smiling, waving and occasionally granting a request for a quick kiss.

Italian flag-wavers, the heatdefying band wearing full, furry Kiwi costumes, and a pirate ship carrying New Zealand sailors of the future added to the colour and noise before the main event.

Team New Zealand were ushered in by a repeating tape of Peter Montgomery describing the Cup-clinching moment with his now-famous "It's black to the future."

Aboard 23 utes, the team waved as paper wars and Team New Zealand chants broke out.

Winning helmsman Russell Coutts said the crowd support on and off the water was the backdrop to the team's success.

"I think it's one of the main reasons we can compete with the rest of the world.

"Seeing this number of people this happy is fantastic ... I think it's got to be good for us."

Following a beaming Auckland Mayor Christine Fletcher and Prime Minister Helen Clark, in Team New Zealand gear, the Cup itself was shepherded by security men and outgoing New Zealand boss Sir Peter Blake.

In between waves he rested his tall frame on the reinforced glass case of the Cup he had won and defended.

At the presentation ceremony at the Viaduct Harbour, he said he was proud to be leaving the historic event with a new sense of sportsmanship and fair play.

"To all New Zealand ... thanks for all your support for the whole magical journey."

Defeated skipper Francesco de Angelis also bowed out graciously.

"Now that the games are over, I can say it's good that the New Zealand people will keep this Cup for the next three years."