Oracle chief executive Russell Coutts has lavished praise on Team New Zealand after watching them carve up his team to wrap up the America's Cup with a 7-1 series victory.
The ex-Team New Zealand helmsman was gracious in defeat, describing his former team's performances to win the Louis Vuitton Cup and then almost sweep the America's Cup as "incredible".
"It was spectacular," Coutts said.
"What an impressive victory on all fronts - they were just incredible right from the technology they used, to the way they sailed the boat, to their tactics on the course.
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"They were strong on all fronts and it was probably one of the most impressive campaigns ever when you piece it all together."
The series defeat brings to an end an outstanding America's Cup winning streak for Coutts, who won the 2000 America's Cup with Team New Zealand before prevailing with Alinghi in 2003 and as CEO of Oracle in 2010 and 2013.
"All good things come to an end sooner or later, and that's sports," he said.
"I've had a great time in the America's Cup and there's certainly no complaints - it's been great."
And Coutts said having the America's Cup back in Auckland waters will be a good thing - with the next instalment of the event likely to be the most competitive yet.
"It's gonna be a spectacular event down in New Zealand and hopefully it's gonna keep growing and get better and better," he said.
"I'm sure it will - the future's bright."
Newshub.
