America's Cup 2017: Overjoyed Kiwis let emotions flow at parties after win

  • 27/06/2017

After waiting more than 17 years to win the America's Cup, Kiwis are not ending the post-race celebrations any time soon.

Team New Zealand fans have been through a lot over the last few campaigns and today they got redemption.

From Bermuda to Auckland, celebration parties have been raging all day.

At Auckland's Viaduct Harbour on Tuesday evening, a special $500,000 red, white and blue lighting rig and fireworks display took place, ahead of next week's parade.

New Zealanders aren't known for being overly emotional but the America's Cup clearly has a hold over many of us.

"I feel like I've gone through some highs and lows with the team," fan Lisa Lewis said after the win.

"We've been waiting a long time," another fan said.

Every gain, every tack and gybe, every mark was cheered on. 

With Team New Zealand so close, the nagging feeling of 2013 was never too far away. 

"[I'm] a bit emotional actually. It's amazing, such an incredible achievement for such a small country," another fan said after the race.

New Zealand's collective nervous energy could've added at least a few knots of boat speed before the America's Cup finally became New Zealand's cup once again.

That sent the more than 1000 people packed out at the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron into delirium, some saying it makes up for 2013.

"Seventeen years we've been waiting for this. It's fantastic!" a fan said.

Caroline Angus-Baker and her four sons had front row seats - hoping for history to repeat. 

"I can't believe we've finally done it and not just won but beat Oracle. Who sued their way in and held it but we've taken it back," she said with excitement.

"I did this with my father when we won back in 1995 and it's beautiful to share it with my own kids now." 

Team New Zealand are due back in the country next week, bringing the Auld Mug with them.

Newshub.