Merchant banker Sir Michael Fay last night became the fourth New Zealander to win a spot in the America's Cup Hall of Fame.
About 150 guests attended a ceremony and dinner in the Auckland War Memorial Museum to celebrate photographer Stanley Rosenfeld, sailor Malin Burnham and Sir Michael becoming members of the Herreshoff Marine Museum Hall of Fame.
Sports commentator Peter Montgomery told the audience of Sir Michael's importance in starting New Zealand's involvement in the America's Cup in the 1980s.
"He was the driving force behind entering a New Zealand boat in 1986 ... He was the key factor in changing the shape and direction of the America's Cup.
"When we won the America's Cup in 1995 it was based on a foundation laid and set by Michael, and without Michael the America's Cup would not be in Auckland."
Sir Michael barely acknowledged his achievement last night, instead focusing on Team New Zealand's efforts at the weekend.
"Frankly, I can't imagine a worse day at the office ... Most of us went home with the taste of dirt.
"But we can beat that boat, so that's what we have to do."
He asked that at dinner everyone raise their glasses to toast Team New Zealand for "their day on the water".
Sir Michael follows fellow New Zealanders Tom Schnackenberg, Russell Coutts and the late Sir Peter Blake in the Hall of Fame.
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