Peter Lester: Review the best first step forward

Like most New Zealanders I am pleased that Team New Zealand are already talking about having another crack at winning the America's Cup.

But, before they even think that far ahead, they must wrap up this current campaign properly.

There must be an honest debrief, a methodical appraisal of what they have done right and wrong, and a thorough documentation of all that has happened.

They should not be relying on people's memories when looking back at what they have done well and what they haven't.

They will be asking themselves whether they pushed the envelope too much and they must be prepared to sit back, re-evaluate and learn from any mistakes.

In New Zealand sport we have two wonderful brands - the All Blacks and Team New Zealand. We must continue to value that.

You have to ask was this a flawed campaign? Of that, I'm not sure.

I'm loath to bag them without knowing more, but I guess you have to question some aspects of their campaign.



They made some decisions three years ago about the crew and other personnel, which I'm sure they thought were right. Now they have to have a long look at that.

When you look at what has happened - three gear breakages at this level and with it the knowledge you are not going to get there [win] - you have to ask questions.

Again, you need go no further than yesterday's last race to see what they were up against.

Alinghi again showed just how good they were. A minute and a half out from the start they had Team New Zealand struggling.

Coutts' skill in getting the time on distance right at the start is amazing. His ability to nail it [the start] makes it very difficult for anyone.

He won five out of five starts and from there was able to dictate.

He also managed to get superior speed up wind. He sailed at the same height as Team New Zealand but faster.

They were faster and tactically more sound, down to forcing team New Zealand into extra tacks which opens up even more opportunities.

It has been a great cup. We can only hope now Team New Zealand can pull themselves back up and go again.

* Peter Lester is Yachting New Zealand's high-performance manager.

nzherald.co.nz/americascup

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