Thousands gather for America's Cup parade

7.30pm - by CATHY ARONSON

Thousands of people crowded the streets of Auckland late this afternoon to welcome the America's Cup competitors.

The parade marked the beginning of the Louis Vuitton Cup regatta to find a challenger against Team New Zealand for the America's Cup next February.

The 10 teams from seven countries walked down Queen St behind the silver America's Cup.

Crowds waved flags from each country: New Zealand, Italy, United States, Britain, Sweden, Switzerland and France.

Former Team New Zealand helmsman Russell Coutts was also cheered as he walked with his new Swiss syndicate, Alinghi.

But a group of Team New Zealand supporters, called the Black Darts, took advantage of their strategic position on the corner of Mayoral Drive and Queen St to fire black darts at the competition.

When America's Cup holders Team New Zealand passed by at the end of the parade they were greeted at every step by a loud cheering crowd waving flags from every nation.

At the end of the march Team New Zealand skipper Dean Barker told the Herald he was overwhelmed by the support.

"It's just amazing. It's hard to believe."

When asked whether Team New Zealand would retain the cup again he said the team would "do our best".

He was later introduced at the official opening ceremony at the Viaduct Basin as "the one who carries the hope of the nation".

Prime Minister Helen Clark used the opportunity to reiterate the importance of the America's Cup to New Zealand.

She said it pumped $640 million into the New Zealand economy and created 2000 hours of international television coverage, and 60,000 news articles.

She thanked the competitors for coming and said: "May there be a fair and open contest and good sportsmanship throughout the competition."

Helen Clark also thanked Sir Peter Blake and others for the vision to believe New Zealand sailors could show the world they were "simply the best".

A silence fell on the teams and crowd as a special tribute to Sir Peter Blake played on a large screen.

It showed him sailing the high seas and winning the America's Cup with the words: "It's not meant to be easy, if it was easy you wouldn't feel you had achieved anything."

All of the teams were welcomed on to the stage before New Zealand performers entertained the crowds.

Dave Dobbyn introduced his song 'Whaling' by referring to Team New Zealand saying "Our hero's, ready to do battle on the high seas – prepare yourself."

Governor-General Dame Silvia Cartwright officially opened the competition with the words "Let the competition begin."

More pictures from the parade

nzherald.co.nz/americascup