Giulia Conti wept in joy after she returned to her apartment, and viewed recordings of Italy's first Women's America's Cup victory. The enormity of the win of her crew hit her.

After both qualifying for the final in an initial group of 12, the inaugural America's Cup women's was decided by Italy and Britain on Saturday.

"After watching the video, I got emotional, and shed some tears... it just feels incredible," the 38 year old told Sunday, one day after Italy's historical win.

Conti, who also led the Italian Luna Rossa team to victory in the Youth America's Cup earlier this month, said: "I'm so proud that we've brought an entire nation and the big team pride."

Conti said that the Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Mello had congratulated her and her team in a post on social media.

"We enjoyed a great celebration on the base. The barbecue was delicious. The whole team was present. Conti said that the team celebrated their victory with "a few beers" and family, as well as "a lot friends from Italy".

Conti and his Italian teammates danced and drank champagne from the trophy on Sunday after being presented with the Puig Women's America's Cup. They also threw their team's kit in front of a cheering Barcelona crowd.

The America's Cup has always been dominated by male sailors. Organisers and participants have hailed the women's competition as a means to close the gap in experience at the top of the sport.

Hannah Mills, who led and skippered Britain in the campaign and lost out to Conti's crew of three and their crew on Saturday, was one of the leading supporters.

Mills, who shed tears as well after the race, said that her and her team had been "gutted" at the loss. However, she was confident of the fact that staging the event was only the beginning.

"We both got emotionally before racing, when we hugged and wished each other the best luck," said Conti.

She and Mills have been sailing against each other in the 470-dinghy for many years.

Conti said that Mills and Conti embraced again when she came back to the same Barcelona restaurant for brunch on Sunday.

"She is the best role-model in sport. She is a three-time Olympic medalist. Conti added: "She's a mother, and she's part of SailGP."

She added, "I don't understand how she does it." (Reporting and editing by Ken Ferris; Alexander Smith)

(source: Reuters)