Bill English was up early this morning, like most of the nation, watching the America's Cup.

Outstanding effort from @EmiratesTeamNZ! Congratulations from us all here in NZ celebrating your #AmericasCup win. We are so proud of you. pic.twitter.com/NeoEVQ5V2p

— Bill English (@pmbillenglish) June 26, 2017

He was even all kitted out in his red socks.

Early start this morning. Go @EmiratesTeamNZ! pic.twitter.com/EFyB6Y7dS3

— Bill English (@pmbillenglish) June 26, 2017

Mr English said plans are already underway for a ticker tape welcome home in Auckland.

"We started those discussion last week with Mayor Phil Goff in Auckland and they'll certainly be picking that up today as soon as the office opens."

But he isn't saying yet whether there'll be money for the next America's Cup.

He told Mike Hosking that discussion will no doubt start - and hints it could be advertising money can't buy.

"A fantastic projection of the New Zealand brand. You see those guys in their mid-20s with world-beating technology and beating Jimmy Spithill. I mean what better advertisement could there be for New Zealand."

Mr English told Mike Hosking it's fantastic for Team New Zealand boss Grant Dalton.

"That's a guy who earns real confidence, has done a fantastic job, and someone who we can work with."

Team New Zealand have claimed the America's Cup from Oracle Team USA, in Bermuda this morning.

Team NZ benefactor Sir Stephen Tindall told Mike Hosking he stuck by Team NZ through thick and thin, because he believes the America's Cup is important.

"I believed in it and I believed that it is such a good thing for New Zealand. The last few hours have proven that. We have united the country."

He said the Cup is also very beneficial to New Zealand's economy.

"The thing I really like about it is it's an economic development for New Zealand as well. You have seen in the past when we've had the cup how much value it bring to our country...It just lights up the country."

 

LISTEN ABOVE AS STEPHEN TINDALL SPEAKS WITH MIKE HOSKING

Emirates Team New Zealand won the America's Cup this morning with a 7-1 lead over Oracle Team USA.

Friend of Blair Tuke, Jeff Clark told Mike Hosking he is ecstatic for his friend.

 The fellow sailor said he couldn't be more proud of his old mate.

"It's a bit of a strange feeling watching them finally get there and yeah I'm just super proud."

He said he always knew Team NZ were going to be competition for Oracle.

"You never know until the boast get up there but we always knew even if you don't have the fastest boat these guys have shown that they have been consistent."

LISTEN ABOVE AS JEFF CLARK SPEAKS WITH MIKE HOSKING

Team New Zealand won the America's Cup 7-1 over Oracle Team USA this morning, in Bermuda.

NZ Herald reporter Dana Johannsen is in Bermuda and told Mike Hosking it feels absolutely incredible.

"Just as soon as Team New Zealand crossed the finish line there were just tears and the crowd just erupted. So much relief and so much excitement from the team."

LISTEN ABOVE AS DANA JOHANNSEN SPEAKS WITH MIKE HOSKING

Peter Burling is being described as a phenomenal talent.

The helmsman has taken Team New Zealand to a decisive 7 - 1 victory over Oracle Team USA in Bermuda.

America's Cup legend Paul Cayard told Mike Hosking there's been another quantum shift in the talent in the sport with Peter Burling and his 20 somethings.

He said the helmsman has a certain amount of maturity.

"He's just got that perfect blend of talent and he's at ease. He doesn't wind himself up and he's able to sail loose but very confidently."

LISTEN ABOVE AS AMERICAN SAILOR PAUL CAYARD SPEAKS TO MIKE HOSKING

The official challenger of record is already in place it's Luna Rossa.

Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron general manager Hayden Porter has just made the announcement on the Mike Hosking Breakfast.

He said it will be great to have them as a partner.

"The Italians are just like Kiwis you know, innovative, friendly, love their food and wine, hard working."

Auckland's Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron will be the home of the cup.

Porter said they can't wait for the Kiwi sailors to be back on home soil and are making plans for their arrival.

But he said security around the cup will be tight - after someone attacked it in 1997.

"We actually have a cabinet which is totally secure, bulletproof glass, has sensors and so on, so it's a very secure environment."

LISTEN ABOVE AS HAYDEN PORTER SPEAKS WITH MIKE HOSKING

The helmsman who's brought it all home says the team's on top of the world.

Peter Burling told Mike Hosking the team was more race-ready than its rivals ... and we had an incredible group of people.

"But at the same time we were set up for one hell of a battle if we had to, and we're pretty blown away by being able to get it done today, but it's a bit of a weird time at the same time when you're preparing for a few days racing."

LISTEN ABOVE as Emirates Team New Zealand helmsman Peter Burling spoke to Mike Hosking

The man whose company built the Team New Zealand boat is emotional and elated at the win.

Southern Spars director Mark Hauser was surprised at Oracle considering the resource they have.

He said they were behind the pace and trying to copy what Team New Zealand did.

Hauser told Mike Hosking it's an absolute credit to Team New Zealand and the country.

"It makes us stand out, we should all be very very proud of this result it's unbelievable, it's fantastic."

LISTEN ABOVE AS MARK HAUSER SPEAKS WITH MIKE HOSKING

Team New Zealand claimed the America's Cup for a third time after securing a 7-1 series victory over holders Oracle Team USA.

It was a remarkable turnaround for the Auckland-based syndicate after suffering a defeat at the last regatta in 2013, giving up an 8-1 lead over Oracle in the process.

Emirates Team New Zealand CEO Grant Dalton told Mike Hosking he can't explain how proud he is of his team.

"I think it just embodies who we are as New Zealander's really, we're tough and we're resilient and resourceful and really this team embodies that."

LISTEN ABOVE AS GRANT DALTON SPEAKS WITH MIKE HOSKING

Newstalk ZB's Andrew Dickens was at the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron as Team New Zealand crossed the finish line, winning the Auld Mug. 

VIDEO: Daily racing highlights - Team NZ v Oracle Team USA

VIDEO: Team New Zealand's Cup history since '95

PHOTOS: Team New Zealand first win the Auld Mug in 1995