Emirates Team New Zealand Wins the 37th America’s Cup and Barcelona Celebrates

New Zealand retained the America’s Cup by beating Great Britain in the 37th edition of the event.

The main stage of the official Race Village along Barcelona’s Moll de la Fusta, bordering the Port Vell was the perfect setting for the Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup prize-giving ceremony on Saturday October 19 where the famous trophy was lifted from its Louis Vuitton trunk and presented to the winners Emirates Team New Zealand amidst wild celebrations from fans and supporters.

Smoke and glitter littered the evening skies as the whole team took to the stage to be officially presented with the America’s Cup – sport’s longest continually contested trophy that dates back to its original purchase by the Marquess of Anglesey from Messrs R&S Garrard in 1848 before being contested, famously for the first time in 1851 on a course around the Isle of Wight, in Great Britain.

Fittingly, the defeated INEOS Britannia team took to the stage first to receive the applause after Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei had performed a traditional haka in front of the huge crowd of fans and well-wishers that had assembled. Emirates Team New Zealand, en masse, came up to receive the trophy as one, with the entire team getting a moment to hold the America’s Cup trophy aloft.

It had been a commanding performance on the water earlier that day that took Emirates Team New Zealand into the record books as the first continuous team to win the America’s Cup three times in a row. Their sheer speed aligned with tactical brilliance from the sailing team on a shifting, difficult racecourse saw the team dominate the series 7-2 and successfully defend the Louis Vuitton 37^th America’s Cup.

After stepping onboard ‘Taihoro’ after racing, Bernard Arnault, the Chairman and CEO, LVMH (above left), and Pietro Beccari, the Chairman and CEO, Louis Vuitton, (above, right) were on stage to present the America’s Cup trophy, with Arnault reflecting on what has been a historic and remarkable event in Barcelona:

“What a fantastic final today. First, my congratulations to Emirates Team New Zealand for the spectacular victory. Your skill, determination and innovation have set a new standard of excellence. It was a magnificent performance, earning you a place in America’s Cup history. As both the defender and organizer of this year’s event, you have demonstrated exceptional skill on and off the water, setting a bar for the future host.”

“To INEOS Britannia, my sincere admiration for your formidable challenge. We are proud to have presented you with the Louis Vuitton Cup and its trophy trunk, a symbol of your remarkable achievements. You pushed boundaries, showing resilience and a relentless pursuit of victory, inspiring us all.” 

“This year’s America’s Cup gives an example of ambition, innovation and excellence, and we share with the America’s Cup the same values which have driven our partnership since 1983, more than 40 years. Then in 1988, we created the first trophy travel trunk specifically for sporting competition, starting with the America’s Cup. And we proudly continue the tradition, ensuring that victory travels in Louis Vuitton.”

“The America’s Cup is more than a race. It’s a symbol of human ingenuity, teamwork and an inspiration for future sailors. Louis Vuitton remains committed to this magnificent sport, and we look forward to many more years of competition and unforgettable moments like today. Thank you.”

Pietro Beccari, the Chairman and CEO, Louis Vuitton, further added:

“Barcelona, thank you so much. This year has been a festival for Barcelona. We are very, very proud to be partners with this beautiful city and with the Mayor. I think we did a great job together in presenting this city in its beauty, in its majesty, to the whole world.”

“The energy that we felt here tonight and on the water. I came here three times, and every time again, it has been a big emotion. Great sailing, great competition and I must say that these flying boats are really spectacular. I think the Cup is better with Louis Vuitton, and Louis Vuitton is better with the Cup.”

Emirates Team New Zealand mixed with the fans in the Race Village long into what was a memorable evening at the conclusion of the Louis Vuitton 37^th America’s Cup, with the Race Village becoming a sea of team shirts, flags, colour and much celebration. It was fitting end to a remarkable festival of sailing in Barcelona that confirmed Emirates Team New Zealand as the pinnacle team at the elite end of the sport of sailing.

Ben Ainslie’s Ineos Britannia team were 6-2 behind going into Saturday’s racing and needed to win race nine to stay in the best-of-13 series in Barcelona.

However, despite some pressure from the British boat, Emirates Team New Zealand secured victory by 37 seconds to take an unassailable 7-2 lead.

New Zealand, who won the competition in 2017 and 2021, have become the first team to lift the Auld Mug on three consecutive occasions since the USA (1987-1992).

Great Britain, who have never won the trophy in the competition’s 173-year history, were appearing in their first final since 1964.

“Firstly, I’ve got to say a huge well done to Team New Zealand,” said British captain Ainslie.

“What an amazing campaign and team. In my view, they are the best team ever in the America’s Cup.

“To our team, I just can’t say enough thanks to everyone for all the effort they’ve put in over the years to get us this far.

“We had our moments in the finals but, at the end of the day, the better team won.”

He added: “This isn’t going to be the end of the journey for us. We set out 10 years ago to win the America’s Cup [and] we’re getting closer each time.

“The trick is to keep going and get it home next time.”