Loyal to the best - NZ

As race four looms, support for Team New Zealand just keeps rolling in.

To the readers of the Herald and the citizens of New Zealand: As an avid yachting fan and an American, I can say with absolute earnestness there is no land more deserving, nor fitting to win the America's Cup than New Zealand.

Your land's enthusiasm and zeal for the sport is infectious.

Buck up lads, you can do it! I am Loyal to the best - and the best is New Zealand!

Ryan Kirkham, Dallas, Texas.

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Just 5 to win, here's what to do,

Find the holes in that Swiss cheese,

And sail right through.

Good luck Loyal Team New Zealand

We're with you all the way.

Dene Kelly

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Good luck Team NZ for today from everyone at Kendall Sturm and Foote. We still have faith that we can win. We are loyal.

Kendall Sturm & Foote, barristers & solicitors, Auckland.

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They say you learn more from a loss than a win!

So let's dust off those red socks and keep our Loyal flags flying high and show everyone that WE CAN DO IT!

Jean

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Who will go watch the cup in the Med? It's far too close to IRAQ!!!!

Mind you, it's not all over yet. My support for Team NZ will NEVER falter .

Clare Wade

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Come on Team New Zealand, you're New Zealand's Team.

You guys rule, and Dean is very cool,

Alinghi are all just fools!

All you've got to do is show them your Kiwi spirit.

Then I know that you guys can win it!

Hold your heads up high, and before long you'll touch the sky,

With your big sails riding high.

GO TEAM NEW ZEALAND!

Marina Sardelic (13)

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Dean Barker - The country is behind you, but don't forget that for your age and your experience in this market you are THE BEST. Hang on to that - whatever happens.

Carolyne Jackson

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Dean Barker is the front man for a team of nearly four million people and that is a big ask.

I for one am glad to have him because he still fronts the team even when off the boat.

New Zealand needs people like him not those that pass the buck.

We are loyal to those who deserve our loyalty. Money can't buy the respect New Zealand has for Team New Zealand.

Jason Stanbury, Kerikeri Panelbeaters

* * *

Remember, you are the true winners whatever the outcome. Russell Coutts and Brad Butterworth are nothing but traitors and they will have to live with knowing that they are now playing this sport for the money and not the game. You boys in black were born better people. The hopes of 3.9 million people has got to be better than the tainted hopes of 2 traitors.

Jean Anstett

* * *

I am from America and before Alinghi won the Louis Vuitton Cup I was rooting for Oneworld. I have lived in New Zealand for four years and I really want NZ to win.

Dean Barker and the rest of the crew are certainly the best men for the job! You're goin' down Alinghi!

Louise A.

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No matter which skipper wins the America's Cup in New Zealand, Dean Barker has achieved immortality ... Russell Coutts, infamy.

Christine

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I think you're the best ... your crew is the best ... your boat is the best ... your skipper is the best. Go out there and give it your best shot. I know you can do it

Melody Snell

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You guys are the GOOD GUYS and WE KNOW GOOD GUYS always win!!!!! Go the Black boat!! You are the best!! Stand proud and tall because we will always be behind you !!!!!!!!

The Marshs

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We are thinking of you over here in freezing London, waking up early each morning to ring family in Auckland to hear the latest. Three nil is nothing - you can bring it back and win.

Diana

* * *

We are wearing the T-shirts, flying the flag and playing the CD. Tomorrow it will be Team New Zealand 1 Alinghi 3.

This family is staying LOYAL to the very end.

Mary & Tony (Howick) Claire & Dean (Albany) Terri & Leon (Japan)

* * *

Keep at it Dean and the Team. Look Onward, You're Able and we're Loyal. We can all see the teamwork.

You can do it. We are with you all the way.

Cris

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Coutts and Butterworth are only human - they put their trousers on - one leg at a time - just the same as all the rest of us!

All the best.

Larsen Family, Remuera

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Go the black boat, we will all be blowing for you.

Dylan (6) and Taylor (4) Stanmore Bay

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Just wanted to wish "y'all" the best for the next race! We have our "Loyal" flag flying high here in Houston!!

Catherine Bollard, MD Texas Children's Cancer Center

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Go Team New Zealand, you're the best,

We know your better than the rest,

When the Cup you defend,

We'll be loyal to the end.

With Dean Barker at the helm,

We know the results will overwhelm.

You'll hear us cheering strong and loud,

Win or lose you'll make us proud.

Go the Black Boat! Ben Hill, Room 26, Owairoa Primary School

Continuous coverage of today's America's Cup race will begin on nzherald.co.nz at 12.30pm.

nzherald.co.nz/americascup

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