Laundry staff reckon Kiwis will sock it to American rivals

Northland bosses might be turning a blind eye to some late arrivals to work and celebrations could see the weekend coming early if Emirates Team New Zealand clinch one race today.

The racing could be wrapped up and the Auld Mug ours by about 8.45am today if the weather behaves itself and Emirates Team New Zealand perform as well as they have been.

At the time of edition the leaderboard stood at Emirates Team New Zealand 8 and Oracle Team USA 1, meaning we only need one more win to bring the America's Cup back to New Zealand.

Sport Northland chief executive Brent Eastwood said sailing is already a popular sport in Northland but could expect a boost if we win the Cup.

"We have a real affinity with sailing in the North, and like anything in terms of a world cup, it usually corresponds with an immediate increase in participation in that sport."

He thought Northland yachting clubs could be gearing up for an influx in new participation.

Like many other businesses in town, Sport Northland have been crowding round a television in reception to tune in to the racing before the work day begins, Mr Eastwood said.

Whangarei Hospital laundry staff might get a few odd socks in their bundles from time to time but nothing like what they had yesterday.

Staff decided to dress their office up in lucky red socks and donned their own to show their support for Emirates Team New Zealand.