New Zealand won the America's Cup on Saturday with a 7-2 victory over Britain. The win sparked wild celebrations aboard their sleek AC75, before they returned to shore and were welcomed by a traditional Maori welcome.

This is the third consecutive win for the New Zealanders, who have successfully defended their "Auld Mug", won in Auckland in 2020 and Bermuda in 2017.

Eight crew members on the "Taihoro", before the rest joined them, hugged to celebrate the successful conclusion of a three-year battle to retain this coveted trophy. It is said to be the oldest trophy in international sports.

"An incredible feeling, and what an amazing group of people with whom to share it. Peter Burling thanked everyone on the America's Cup broadcast for their support. He became the most successful skipper in the 173 year history of the event.

Blair Tuke, Burling's longtime teammate, said: "Phenomenal... we've achieved everything that we wanted."

The winning crew, dressed in black, were surrounded by an entire flotilla. Horns blared as they unfurled their sails and then cracked open bottles of champagne that Burling and his teammates sprayed on each other and over the high-tech vessel.

Grant Dalton, the New Zealand team leader, said that the entire team deserves credit for the success of the America's Cup. He thanked Barcelona for hosting the event and New Zealanders for coming to Spain to support it.

'BEST EVER'

After losing to the Kiwis after a fiercely fought battle on the sea, British skipper Ben Ainslie praised the winning team. He said they were the best America's Cup team ever.

Ainslie, who was aboard the "Britannia", said that the British team would continue to work hard until the Cup is "brought home".

He said, "What a remarkable achievement to achieve the triple-peat... They are a classy act. Congratulations to them."

Ainslie, who has been trying to win the America's Cup for the past decade, has not succeeded in winning the cup. The America's Cup began with a race on the Isle of Wight, off the coast of England.

Ainslie described the journey to the final as "a hellish one". His British team reached the final for the first 60 years when they beat Italy in the Louis Vuitton Final last month.

Ainslie’s latest attempt cost over 100 million pounds ($130 millions) and involved the Mercedes Formula One Team.

Ainslie, 47, said that he will do whatever is right for his team.

The most successful Olympian sailor said, "I am committed to moving this team forward."

Taihoro, which was "flying" on its foils above the sparkling water as it was towed into Barcelona's harbor at high speed, gleamed.

When the crew of the British boat returned to the base, they were welcomed with hugs from their family and friends.

(source: Reuters)