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Team New Zealand facts
AUCKLAND, New Zealand (Reuters) -- Defending champions Team New Zealand became the first non-U.S. syndicate to successfully defend the America's Cup when it beat Italy's Prada in the 2000 series. However just weeks after its victory the syndicate lost several key members, including skipper Russell Coutts, to new Swiss syndicate Alinghi. Coutts has been replaced by Dean Barker, who skippered NZL-60 in the final race of the 2000 America's Cup. He is supported by a loyal group of New Zealand veterans as well as a big pool of young talent. PROGRESSTeam New Zealand beat Young America 5-0 off San Diego in 1995 to become only the second non-U.S. team to win the America's Cup. It then thrashed Prada 5-0 in 2000. TEAMBarker is a talented helmsman who now has the chance to emerge from the shadow of Coutts. He will be supported by tactician Hamish Pepper, a newcomer to the America's Cup but a former world number one in the Laser class, and Olympian Peter Evans as strategist. Few of the regular crew from 2000 remain, with Coutts and tactician Brad Butterworth among six signed up by Alinghi. Only three regular crew members from 2000 are still with Team New Zealand for its second Cup defence. Team New Zealand will choose between experienced sailors Mike Drummond and Tom Schnackenberg as navigators. Schnackenberg, who is competing in his eighth America's Cup, is also the syndicate head and leads the boat design team. Team New Zealand represents the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron. It has two boats -- NZL-81 and NZL-82 -- but has decided to use the slightly newer NZL-82 to take on Alinghi. Its estimated budget is about $40 million. Copyright 2003 Reuters. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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