Trophy for Team NZ

Dean Barker has led Emirates Team New Zealand to victory over defending America’s Cup champion BMW Oracle Racing winning the 21 Louis Vuitton Trophy. The final in Dubai marked the last series for America’s Cup class boats as sailing moves into the multi-hull era of 72-foot, wing-sail catamarans. Emirates staged a dramatic run in the final minutes of the first race, erasing a nearly 15-yard lead by James Spithill’s BMW Oracle team. The two raced the Louis Vuitton Cup 2007 final in Valencia, Spain, when New Zealand also came out on top. Team boss Grant Dalton said the team’s renowned frugality contributed to a winning culture that in 2001 landed them the Audi MedCup and now the LV Trophy. “Everyone buys into the culture and the way we operate. We’re not frivolous at all. You can’t spend a hundred dollars without a requisition order from me and in a funny sort of way that helps to build our culture,” Dalton said.