Emphatic support for Barker and the boys

The country is united behind Dean Barker and Team New Zealand. That was clear from the flood of emails the Herald received yesterday.

Here is a selection.

Would someone please give Dean Barker a great big hug?

J. Woods

* * *

We have a great team sailing out there representing us and most if not all of us could not have done better. Let us remember that this competition is the best of nine and that we are without a doubt still in the running. To Dean Barker and all of Team NZ - you can do it!! Keep at it and we will stand proud as the black boat fights back. Go Team NZ!

Monica Brady.

* * *

For the first race against a battle-hardened opposition Team NZ and Dean Barker were stunning.

Celeste Holland.

* * *

Our hearts broke for you on Saturday and Sunday, but we will be there with you today when you head out for race number three. Win or lose to Alinghi, Team New Zealand will always be winners to the country that supports you - New Zealand. Remember you are there for the love of the sport, the rewards are secondary.

Hope and Martin Graham.

* * *

Go the team. We are still with you all the way. Keep your head up high, as we still are. Look forward to Tuesday.

Charmain Goodgame.

* * *

It was our fault, all New Zealanders' fault, coz we were sitting on your boat urging you on. Far too much of a load for you to carry. I'll get off it and yell from the sofa for the rest of the races. As my mother used to say, "when the going gets tough, the tough get going". You're tough, so get going.

Marilyn.

* * *

Fantastic boat.

Fantastic crew.

Fantastic race.

Loyal to the end.

The Dowling Family.

* * *

You have the ability and the boat, so the next race is yours. Just remember, we are with you all the way.

Reg Dempster.

* * *

Hi Dean and guys. Nothing wrong with the result being 5 to 2. We are with you all the way and will watch every minute of every race.

Mary and Tony, Claire & Dean, Terri & Leon.

* * *

Thrilling effort on Sunday. It must be such tough going right now, so just hang in there. We're all behind you!!

Sam & Ben Robertson (aged 6), and parents John & Stephanie Napier.

* * *

Good luck and good sailing for Tuesday.

Meredith Leach.

* * *

Just a few words of encouragement from one of the greatest athletes of our time.

"I've failed over and over again in my life ... and that is why ... I succeed," Michael Jordan.

Keep your chin up boys.

A fan.

* * *

We believe in you guys - your starts are magic, you are sailing brilliantly, 82 is fast - you can and will win. To be the best you have to overcome the hurdles. You have our support and our prayers in this dark hour. Dawn is coming, make history.

John Macfarlane and Barbara Williams.

* * *

Dean, control your emotions using body language; don't ever drop your head again. Win, loss or draw, you are better than that! You are the best man for the job, hand picked from 3.9 million options. We will prevail.

Vic Middleditch.

* * *

You sailed an awesome race, Take heart from the positives. Continue to believe in yourselves and your abilities ... Your country does. Remember: We're still behind you 100 per cent. We're still loyal. There's no shame in winning the cup 5-2! Go hard you absolute legends.

Tim Mutch.

* * *

Tennis players can still win at match point to their opponents. You've got what it takes to keep what we've got.

The Bockett Family.

* * *

Dean Barker's tall, cool demeanour under pressure is very reminiscent of another great sailor ... Sir Peter Blake.

Ann Woolliams.

* * *

We think Dean's Team with their softly, softly approach is wonderful. R. Coutts, Be Very Afraid.

Joyce and Bruce Catchpole.

* * *

Just a quick note to say keep your heads up! You are our Team New Zealand, you won our hearts in 1995 and you still have them, no matter what. New Zealanders thrive against adversity and are used to overcoming the odds and meeting challenges and challengers (as the case may be) head on. Take it in your stride and keep going. Loyalty is unconditional.

Jess Look.

* * *

Hey guys, keep your head up, keep focused. There are only little things to do to win. Crew work looks great, boat looks great and the starts have been brilliant.

Jeff and Nanette Brook.

* * *

Come on, get BARKerING MAD!! When the going gets tough - OUR TOUGH GET GOING!! We're with Team NZ all the way - bring it on home, boys.

The Wilsons.

* * *

We all felt the despondency along with you after Saturday's nightmare and again on Sunday following on from that nail-biting race. However, we are a long way from losing the cup yet! Go kick some DISloyal ar-e.

Karen.

* * *

It was a sad day on Saturday and again on Sunday to lose to Alinghi. We think you and your crew are as good as the Alinghi crew, maybe even better. Do not worry about what has been, focus ahead. Just remember as the saying goes "you may be down, but you are not out". Take a well-earned rest, regroup and go out there and thrash them today.

Ritchie Family.

* * *

Thank you for some superb sailing on Sunday. Nurse the boat and nerve yourselves. We are with you on every wave. Together we will "knock the bastard off".

Ian Gray.

* * *

We're sure you need not worry about Alinghi

In fact it's simply a very expensive dinghy

So go out today and win the next race

The Black Caps did and you can make it a brace.

Maureen and Mike Stone.

* * *

Kia kaha (be strong) ... "God defend - Team New Zealand".

Ira Rawiri.

* * *

Every cloud has a silver lining and it's always darkest before the dawn. We are in this together and our thoughts go out to you all. Good luck, good speed and good racing.

B & B Boyce.

* * *

Saturday, disaster, Sunday a very near miss, Tuesday 2-1, I know you can do it.

Don Locke.

* * *

In the words of the Roman philosopher Seneca, "Fire is the test of gold; adversity of strong men."

Deb Bartlett.

* * *

It's not over till the fat lady sings.

Eileen Aspden.

* * *

A bit of bad luck and a slight cock-up. But look at the positive side. A 5-4 result at the end will make the series far more interesting than 5-0. Don't let the temporary setback disturb you. You guys are at least as good as Alinghi.

Bert Wettenschwiler.

* * *

Show your true colours - We are the 1 KIWIS

Fly your flags high and let's beat

Those bloody cowbell-ringing skiwis.

Roz.

* * *

Grit your teeth

Growl

And come out fighting

The whole country is behind you.

Sloss.

* * *

With the events of the weekend it will take a lot of strength to come back fighting but I, like many New Zealanders, am sure Dean and Co can do it. It is far from over and we should all remember Australia II in 1983. Seven more races and seven more new days.

Mike K.

* * *

Dean needs and deserves the space to stay focused and channel his amazing gifts and qualities that make him and Team New Zealand who they are.

Melinda Cates.

* * *

Dean, keep your chin up. You don't have to prove anything to us. We know you are a great sailor and you have a great team behind you, both on and off the water.

Wrigley family.

* * *

New Zealanders know the difficulties you have had to overcome to get this challenge prepared and your performance yesterday was a credit to you all. Dean Barker can definitely hold his head up high at press conferences.

Gail Henry.

* * *

You have nothing to defend/lose but everything to win. If you never ever quit, but think and act like a winner, you will have no regrets and New Zealand and I will admire you for ever.

Robert Meachem.

* * *

Don't think of it as 2-0, but as 5 races to victory. Go get'em and take no prisoners.

Dan and Cushla Iaccarino.

* * *

When the black boat broke

We held our breath and cried

Worried about the water, and the rising tide.

On Sunday the wind was better

You held your heads up high

and the hula proved you faster

You looked like you could fly.

Room 10, Ruapotaka School.

* * *

Experience is the hardest teacher because she gives the test first and the lesson afterwards.

Sepa Sala.

* * *

You got rid of the water on the boat but still have 3.9 million Kiwis on board. You stuck with New Zealand and we'll stick with you.

Software Education Writing Team.

* * *

Alinghi are now complacent. The glittering prize is there for the taking. Go back out there and knock the bounders off.

David Weston.

* * *

Sometimes I think a little arrogance goes a long way; now is the time for some serious self-belief and confidence. It's not a case of if, it's just when.

Jonathan Squires.

* * *

Sure you've got the burden of all NZ on your shoulders, that's a tough call - but it is not a burden, it's a plus. Turn the pain into passion. No other country or team could do what you guys have accomplished.

Ron and Shirley Bird, Warren, Graeme.

* * *

Don't let the buggers grind you down.

Pauline and Neil Moore.

* * *

To add your backing, email the Herald News Desk and we will publish a selection of the best.

Or you can email the team at teamnz2003@xtra.co.nz.

* * *

nzherald.co.nz/americascup

Racing schedule and results