After win, New Zealand celebrates

WELLINGTON, New Zealand — For thousands of New Zealanders who four years ago watched their sailing team crumble from a seemingly unbeatable position, a win in the America’s Cup brought as much relief as it did elation.

Emirates Team New Zealand clinched a 7-1 victory over Oracle Team USA, winning back a trophy the South Pacific nation lost in 2003 and helping erase memories of the team’s 9-8 defeat to Oracle on San Francisco Bay in 2013 in a match they once led 8-1.

Some families dragged their sleepy children, blankets and all, along to the local sailing club.

While sailing remains a niche sport in many countries, in New Zealand, it’s become mainstream thanks to the nation’s long stretches of coastline, strong winds and the people’s love for water sports.

Dean Stanley, the father of Team New Zealand sailor Josh Junior, said his son started sailing at age 5 and owned his own boat at age 8.

New Zealand Sport and Recreation Minister Jonathan Coleman said it was too early to say if the government would contribute any money toward hosting the next regatta.