America's Cup 2021: Victorious NZL60 boat returns to Team NZ headquarters

A special piece of New Zealand sporting history is now on public display leading up to next summer's America's Cup defence.

NZL60 - the boat Team NZ used to defend the Auld Mug back in 2000 - has been restored to its former glory and placed outside the team's current Auckland Viaduct base.

The boat was one of two used by Team NZ during a campaign that ended when it crossed the line first on that famous day in March.

Russell Coutts and Sir Peter Blake led the team to a 5-0 sweep of challengers Prada in the America's Cup series, with back-up Dean Barker helming the final race.

By the next cup defence in 2003, Coutts had defected to Alinghi, Blake had been murdered by Brazilian pirates and Barker would lose the trophy to his former mentor.

"Thanks to Sir Stephen Tindall, who has looked after NZL60 for the last 20 years and now she's going to be down at the viaduct for the public to enjoy and see," says Team NZ shore base manager Andy Nottage.

NZL60 joins another piece of Team NZ history already on display.

'Aotearoa' - their AC50 catamaran that claimed the Cup in Bermuda three years ago - hangs on the side of the team headquarters.

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