Oracle skipper Jimmy Spithill says it would be "inconceivable" to have an America's Cup without Team New Zealand in it.
Spithill, who is in New Zealand on holiday, told TVNZ's Breakfast programme this morning he couldn't imagine the America's Cup without the Kiwis.
"It's inconceivable to think of the America's Cup without Team New Zealand. They're one of the best teams in the world and have been so successful. Not just for sailing but they really have led boat building ... the level it's at now is up there with aerospace and a lot of those people come from the Southern Hemisphere."
Spithill said he had not encountered any animosity during his trip to New Zealand so far, despite having broken so many Kiwis' hearts.
"I think it's surprising to see how serious it is for some fans, especially in the heat of battle," he said.