"Oracle Team USA joined that list as Emirates Team New Zealand and its crew of young newcomers finished off a surprisingly lopsided 7-1 victory to reclaim the America's Cup after a 14-year wait.
"The final race was a rout, with New Zealand trailing at the first mark but dominating after that and finishing 55 seconds ahead of the American team."
The Times and other American media heaped praise on young Kiwi helmsman Peter Burling and gritty team boss Grant Dalton.
"To survive and remain in the game, Team New Zealand and its chief executive, Grant Dalton, had to overcome existential challenges, including internal divisions and an early shortage of financing," Clarey wrote.
"The team also had to navigate the contentious transition from the popular veteran helmsman Dean Barker to the 26-year-old Peter Burling.
"Burling, cool and confident under pressure in Bermuda, turned out to be just the man for the very tricky job, and he is now the youngest helmsman to win the America's Cup. The one-sided result was a humbling one for Oracle's star helmsman, Jimmy Spithill, and Oracle's billionaire owner, Larry Ellison."
Reuters correspondent Tessa Walsh described the result as "crushing".
"New Zealand won the America's Cup, almost white-washing the US holders with a revolutionary boat and a new superstar sailor to avenge a humbling defeat four years ago," she wrote.
She described the final as "a fascinating battle of wills and technology' and said Burling had "exuded a disarming calm on and off the water and has now won himself a place in yachting history"
"He has also brought a youthful confidence to New Zealand's rejuvenated campaign to regain the Auld Mug."
Writing in the London Telegraph, Miles Dilworth admired the "underfunded but resourceful Kiwis who have claimed the oldest trophy in international sports".
Team NZ's rivals were also quick to congratulate Dalton, Burling and other key members of the team like skipper Glenn Ashby.
Sir Ben Ainslie, head of the British syndicate which bowed out in the challenger round robin series, tweeted his congratulations.
Other New Zealand sports stars also sent their messages of praise, including double Olympian gold medallist Dame Valerie Adams.
