Peter Burling's fellow Tauranga Yacht and Power Boat Club members cheer on Team New Zealand as they cross the finish line.
As Emirates Team New Zealand helmsman Peter Burling held the nation's hopes of an America's Cup victory in his grasp this afternoon, those who know him best were cheering on from his hometown.
And now they are over the moon with pride and celebration.
Team New Zealand has won the2021 America's Cup, and hundreds of people gathered at the Tauranga Yacht and Power Boat Club to watch what became be the final day of the regatta.
Keen sailors cheer on Team New Zealand from the Tauranga Yacht and Power Boat Club as the team begins the first leg of today's race. Photo / George Novak
As Race 10 in the America's Cup match began its first leg, the crowd cheered and clapped as Team New Zealand made their first moves.
As both teams head for the same marker in the first leg, the crowd at Burling's old club let out an "ooh".
Crowds gather at the Tauranga Yacht and Power Boat Club to watch one of their own in what could be the last race of the 2021 America's Cup. Photo / George Novak
Sailing pals pointed to the screens when the broadcast showed close-ups of the inside of the vessel, seemingly swapping notes while both pairs of eyes did not budge from the screen.
Graeme Allen was watching as a member's guest at the club, and remembered watching Burling on the water years ago.
Earlier in the day the excited chatter gradually grew louder as people of all ages streamed in through the club doors. Some came prepared with snacks while others opted for the hot chips.
Tauranga man Cairo Hunuhunu works night shift which starts at 5pm and had made his way down to the club every day to watch what he could before work.
While he was not a sailor himself, he watched and appreciated the skill of the teams.
Crowds gather at the Tauranga Yacht and Power Boat Club to watch one of their own in what could be the last race of the 2021 America's Cup. Photo / George Novak
Hunuhunu said he chose to come to the Sulphur Point club specifically because of Burling's association with it. Burling was someone Hunuhunu described as a humble and talented man.
Club member Tim Olsson was confident New Zealand would take out the title, and because the cup was won in the first race, he was able to attend the club's racing night afterward.
Club manager Lynne Whitaker said the club had been screening the races daily.
