Andy Maloney, third from left, celebrates Team New Zealand's America's Cup victory. Photo/Getty Images
Andy Maloney, third from left, celebrates Team New Zealand's America's Cup victory. Photo/Getty Images
The feeling of America's Cup glory hasn't quite sunk in for Kerikeri cyclor Andy Maloney.
Maloney was one of the superb cyclor peloton that helped drive Team New Zealand to a 7-1 victory over Oracle to claim the Auld Mug.
Though the win hasn't really hit home just yet, Maloneysaid spirits have been high in celebration.
"It won't really sink in, I guess, until we get back to New Zealand and see everyone back at home. I think it'll be then when we will feel it," he said.
"We had a really good get-together at the Base the day we won it. We had the team, the family members and other supporters whowere in Bermuda.
"I've done quite a lot of cycling and cross-training for the Laser. You've got to have strong legs for the Laser class," he said. "I was really in the right place at the right time when they needed some cyclors."
Andy wasn't the only Maloney starring on the water, with sister Alex claiming silver in the 49erFX class of the Kiel Week regatta.
"I'm just stoked that Alex carried on and [will] give the Olympics another go. The second regatta back on the boat they've taken silver which was awesome," he said. "It'll be really cool to catch up with her and the family for a reunion when I get back home."
Andy Maloney was a star sailor in his younger days at Kerikeri High School. Photo/Michael Cunningham
The waters of the Bay of Islands proved to be ideal hunting grounds for Maloney throughout his younger years.
He said sailing with his fellow Kerikeri High School students helped light the fire.
"Growing up in Kerikeri, and in that high school culture with Blair and the boys up there, it was the first real competitive tie I had to the sport. We had some real success. I loved the team culture."
There were some tense moments throughout the regatta for Team NZ, perhaps none more so than the pitchpoling against Team BAR.
"The whole time I've been with these guys I've been absolutely amazed by how the team has come together and the support everyone has for each other," he said.
"That really showed through when we had the capsize in the semi-finals. We were flooded with a rollercoaster of emotions that day.
"Obviously we won the first race and being super stoked and then with the capsize it really shook the team.
"We were there for each other and the team worked hard to get us back on the water."
The dramatic pitchpole incident showed why Team NZ's camaraderie was special, according to Andy Maloney. Photo/Photosport.nz
Oracle proved to be no match on the water for the Kiwi crew but on dry land they held their own, led by outspoken helmsman Jimmy Spithill.
However, Maloney said the on-camera persona is different to how he is.
"Jimmy is a really good guy out of the media spotlight but I think he gets in front of the cameras and he puts on that sporting personality. He tries to be that tough, macho dude," he said.
"Since we know him well we find it quite funny when he's in a press conference and he's saying all these things which we laugh at. Outside of that, he's a really nice dude for sure."
The Team NZ crew is expected back in the country soon with a parade being floated for Thursday.
Maloney said he and his crew mates can't wait to share in the glory.
"I still haven't really decided exactly what I want to do yet, but for the next two weeks I'm going to really soak up the experience of bringing home the Cup to New Zealand which will be really awesome," he said.
"The whole team is really excited to bring the Cup back and share it with the entire country."
