Locals hope America's Cup win will get Rotorua sailing

Robin Parr, commodore of the Rotorua Yacht Club, was elated by Team New Zealand's series win at the 35th America's Cup. PHOTO/STEPHEN PARKER

It was with "relief and elation" that Robin Parr, commodore of the Rotorua Yacht Club, watched Team New Zealand take home the America's Cup.

Now he hopes the win will encourage more people in Rotorua to get into sailing.

"I watched it at home, though I didn't watch it live ... It was very exciting, I was wearing my red socks.

"I'm hoping this sort of win will inspire kids to have a go."

The club is struggling for members and new faces, especially young people, Mr Parr said.

There are around 30 members at present.

"I'm surprised in Rotorua with the lack of sailors, there's water all around us."

Emirates Team New Zealand, led by helmsman Peter Burling, claimed the 35th America's Cup with a 7-1 series victory over Oracle Team USA this morning in Bermuda.

Emirates Team New Zealand competes in the 35th America's Cup in Bermuda. Photo/Ricardo Pinto/America's Cup Event Authority via AP

Four years ago in San Francisco, Team New Zealand were crushed after Oracle Team USA bounced back from 8-1 down to secure an incredible 9-8 triumph against the Kiwi crew.

Mr Parr said he thought New Zealand would take home the Auld Mug.

"They couldn't do that sort of thing [the loss in San Francisco] twice."

Fellow member of the Rotorua Yacht Club Bruce Davy said he was "absolutely ecstatic".

He said the win was exciting for the technology that would filter down, and the "fantastic" international exposure and tourism it would bring to New Zealand.

"I'm sure it will get more people into sailing, just the same as kids [getting into rugby] when the All Blacks win the World Cup."

Self-confessed America's Cup super fan, Rotorua's Keith Walker, said he was also ecstatic with the win.

"I woke up the neighbourhood with my jumping up and down."

The Scion Rotorua employee said he was "absolutely certain" Team New Zealand would take the honours.

"I was comfortable ... This time it was totally different, it was a locked-in design and last time they could make changes [to the boats]."

He said he watched the final race with his wife and brother-in-law.

"It's good for the country, everyone is on a high."

Team New Zealand boss Grant Dalton is set to reveal within the next two weeks how the 36th edition of the America's Cup will unfold in New Zealand.

Dalton has confirmed Italian syndicate Luna Rossa as the challenger.

Mr Walker said "without a doubt" if the next cup was to be held in Auckland he would be there watching.

"I'll take my boat up and be out on the water."