Yachtie sails in for victory

Yachtsman Dave Swete enjoyed yesterday's Black Caps match in Hawke's Bay after he missed out on seeing them play in Auckland. Photo / Supplied

A yachtsman who missed out on seeing the Black Caps' win over Australia has enjoyed cheering them to a victory in Hawke's Bay after accepting an invitation from the team.

Dave Swete of Auckland, racing with Team Alvimedica in the Volvo Ocean Race, arrived in Auckland about three hours after Kane Williamson's six won the match for New Zealand at Eden Park last month.

When the Black Caps heard about Mr Swete's efforts to support them in the cup, they offered him tickets for their match against Afghanistan at Napier's McLean Park yesterday.

He said he had enjoyed watching the team ease their way to a fifth straight World Cup win, as well as the Hawke's Bay hospitality.

"It was awesome to be invited down by the Black Caps - we loved the game. It was a very good day and we had a really good weekend in Hawke's Bay."

Mr Swete, a trimmer and helmsman, will be back in action on the water next week with the New Zealand Herald In-Port Race on March 14.

The next day, he will start leg five of the Volvo round-the-world race, as teams head to Itajai, Brazil.