Black Magic - The Team New Zealand Story

In 1995 Team New Zealand accomplished the unthinkable. The small syndicate from the bottom of the world took on the cashed-up San Diego Yacht Club, and became only the second team to take the America’s Cup abroad. Made the year after their triumph, this documentary looks at the campaign leading up to the race, from finding sponsors at the eleventh hour, to designing and trialling the boat dubbed Black Magic. The heroes of the challenge are interviewed, including sailor Peter Blake and skipper Russell Coutts. The historic win was marked by a joyous homecoming and packed victory parades.

One phone call late on a Friday night, and all of a sudden we have some money coming. Yes we were going to get paid, yes we could get Russell Coutts and Doug Peterson, and yes the America's Cup was on. A pretty important phone call.

– Team New Zealand member Mike Quilter

Key Cast & Crew

George Johns

Camera

Steven McCurdy

Composer

Peter Montgomery

Narrator

Diane Revell

Editor

Denis Harvey

Producer

Glen Sowry

Director, Writer