America’s Cup win brings relief, elation for New Zealanders

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Emirates Team New Zealand helmsman Peter Burling, left, and teammate Glenn Ashby hold the Americas Cup aloft as they celebrate after defeating Oracle Team USA in the America's Cup sailing competition Monday, June 26, 2017, in Hamilton, Bermuda. Photo: Associated Press/ (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — For thousands of New Zealanders who four years ago watched their sailing team crumble from a seemingly unbeatable position, a win in the America’s Cup brought as much relief as it did elation.

Emirates Team New Zealand clinched a 7-1 victory over Oracle Team USA, winning back a trophy the South Pacific nation last held a decade ago and helping erase memories of the team’s catastrophic 9-8 defeat against Oracle in 2013 in a match they once led 8-1.

Across the country, people set their alarms for 5 a.m. Tuesday to watch the racing in Bermuda.

While sailing remains a niche sport in many countries, in New Zealand it’s become mainstream thanks to the nation’s long stretches of coastline, strong winds and the people’s love for water sports.

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