Live from the Viaduct Basin - Presentation of Cup - Rookie Skipper - Dennis Conner And Party Village - Team NZ - Prada
LA MAMA MIA - AMERICAS CUP IS WON
Live from Viaduct Basin….
A look in detail at Team NZ's 5-nil whitewash.
PRESENTATION: The Americas Cup is handed to Russell Coutts and Dean Barker. Then lots of champagne drinking out of the
cup. Aucklanders through themselves into the party. Ticker tape fills the air.
ROOKIE SKIPPER: Dean Barker is now a hero. It was a remarkable step by Russell Coutts to step aside on the day NZ won
the Auld Mug. NZ the first country outside the US to successfully defend the world's oldest sporting trophy. Dean Barker
says it feels fantastic. Prada lost the start but the script was the same with the Kiwis ahead all the way. Hopefully a
stiffer challenge will make it more interesting next time round. Dean Barker receives lots of hugs on arriving back in
the Viaduct Basin.
EVEN DENNIS CONNER IS CHEERED: A big cheer rings out for Dennis Conner. Party time in the village as the race is
underway. Kiwis on song. Prada off key. Tatoo sellers still doing a roaring trade. Even Americans happy - "this is the
finest Americas Cup venue put together ever" - says one. Italians not too disappointed.
TEAM NZ: Key to the victory was team work say the crew. Brad Butterworth - "it is fantastic to be a member of this bunch
of people". Butterworth said he knew about the plan for Russell to step aside.
PRADA: Prada is being described as gracious in defeat. Italians at Prada HQ this morning were not defeat. Boss says he
expects to win but is still waving his fingers and shouting. American Bill Koch says the crew is fantastic but the
afterguard - the team management - are to blame for the loss.