Dockside on D-Day

No one really knew what to expect for the docking ceremony. Last time it was a crowded thronging mass of ecstatic fans who were loud, raucous and completely mad with delight. This time? Would people turn up? Would they cheer? Would they boo?

Virtually empty, the Viaduct was a quiet ghost town. A few thousand rather than few ten thousand stood around to watch the docking ceremony and there was hardly a whisper of cheering. As the black boat entered the harbour a rouse of (albeit sad) applause was made. The three consolatory cheers were loud and long as lumps welled up in the staunchest of throats.

Alinghi entered the harbour to a stoic silence. Celebrations were in full throttle on board the race boat and Swiss fans rung their cow bells with fervour. At least three Kiwis were seen to be clapping. Good sports they are. On the public turnout and the general morose spirit Butterworth later stated the obvious, “There were certainly less people [than 2000]”.

On the dockside, despondent Aucklanders expressed some deep-felt opinions; “I’m very sad,” says 24-year-old Aucklander Chloe Powell. “They [TNZ] tried but the spirit’s died.” During celebrations in 2000 Chloe says it was a great time although can’t comment on it too much as, like the rest of NZ, was imbibing in quite a few celebratory drinks at the time and the memories are a bit hazy. This time, there are a few sips of pinot gris and a grimace. “I can’t believe there’s no one here,” she says. “I thought more people would turn up.” Looking at the pavement around Mecca café there was plenty of empty space and there were almost more police than spectators. “I can handle losing but I can’t handle Coutts taking it away,” she says.

In general, the feeling was like a stalled motorway where drivers slow down to watch an accident – voyeuristic curiosity to see what tragedy looks like. Fellow Aucklander Craig Fountain ponders the future of the Viaduct, “I guess the Loaded Hog will take centre stage again,” he says despondently. In his opinion the Hog is only for “hen’s nights and the boatshoe/Rodd & Gunn brigade…and the odd moleskin crew.” Philosophically, he understands why Coutts and Co left. “If someone offered me $10 million I’d take it so I understand it’s just sad for the country.”

James McCleod from Wellington remarks, “The reality of pro sport is finally hitting us. We were a bit slow on the uptake.” Optimistically he quips, “there’s always the Tall Blacks.” Some people say not to take this so serious 'it's just sport.' Many would disagree but let’s pretend that this is just a sporting competition and nothing more. On that premise, if it is just about the best team winning, then Brad Butterwoth's laconic summary of the differences between Team New Zealand and Alinghi was most poignant. "Five-nil." That was the difference and that's sport.

Source: America's Cup