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Source: ONE News -
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The America's Cup is back in New Zealand on a flying visit and hundreds of Aucklanders are expected to visit it.
The Auld Mug flew first class from America and straight into the care of a personal security guard.
Tom Ehman of the Golden Gate Yacht Club, the club of current holders BMW Oracle Racing, encouraged the trip to New Zealand.
"It's great to be back here in what for many I'm sure is the emotional home for the America's Cup".
The America's Cup first landed on Kiwi soil in 1995 when the Black Magic syndicate were lauded as heroes for taking the trophy against Dennis Connor's Star and Stripes team.
But less than two years later, the trophy was badly damaged in an attack by activist Benjamin Nathan as it was displayed at the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron.
It was restored to its full glory but then New Zealand lost it to Switzerland's Alinghi syndicate in 2003. Alinghi successfully defended it at Valencia in 2007 but since then have been embroiled in legal battles with BMW Oracle, who finally prevailed on the water in February of this year.
It's hoped this visit will renew interest among Kiwis in the America's Cup and rekindle goodwill among sailors keen to compete for it.
