Oracle Team USA skippered by James Spithill celebrates onstage after defending the Cup as they beat Emirates Team New Zealand to defend the America's Cup during the final race on September 25, 2013 in San Francisco, California.
America's Cup: The final showdown —
Oracle Team USA skippered by James Spithill celebrates onstage after defending the Cup as they beat Emirates Team New Zealand to defend the America's Cup during the final race on September 25, 2013 in San Francisco, California.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
It didn't take long for the party to get started following Oracle Team USA's victory. The reigning champion, which had trailed 8-1 at one stage, won by 44 seconds in the final race to win the competition 9-8.
Party time —
It didn't take long for the party to get started following Oracle Team USA's victory. The reigning champion, which had trailed 8-1 at one stage, won by 44 seconds in the final race to win the competition 9-8.
Ezra Shaw/Getty Images
Emirates Team New Zealand fans thought they would be celebrating a famous victory with their crew taking an 8-1 lead in the contest -- but an incredible fightback by Oracle Team USA forced a decisive race. Only twice before in the competition's 162-year history has there been a winner-takes-all final.
New Zealand nerves —
Emirates Team New Zealand fans thought they would be celebrating a famous victory with their crew taking an 8-1 lead in the contest -- but an incredible fightback by Oracle Team USA forced a decisive race. Only twice before in the competition's 162-year history has there been a winner-takes-all final.
Jason Oxenham/Getty Images
British Olympic hero Ben Ainslie has been the catalyst for Oracle Team USA's fightback. Ainslie, 36, took over the role of tactician from John Kostecki with his team 4-1 down.
Big Ben —
British Olympic hero Ben Ainslie has been the catalyst for Oracle Team USA's fightback. Ainslie, 36, took over the role of tactician from John Kostecki with his team 4-1 down.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
Oracle Team USA was given a huge ovation by the home crowd as its team members boarded the ferry. Supporters flocked to watch with the prospect of history being made.
Stars and stripes —
Oracle Team USA was given a huge ovation by the home crowd as its team members boarded the ferry. Supporters flocked to watch with the prospect of history being made.
AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez
Emirates Team New Zealand, skippered by Dean Barker, took to the water hoping to turn around its nightmare run of form.
Changing tides? —
Emirates Team New Zealand, skippered by Dean Barker, took to the water hoping to turn around its nightmare run of form.
Ezra Shaw/Getty Images
Oracle Team USA took the water knowing victory would cap off a historic comeback victory.
History boys? —
Oracle Team USA took the water knowing victory would cap off a historic comeback victory.
Ezra Shaw/Getty Images
Emirates Team New Zealand made an encouraging start but it was the reigning champion which went on to dominate the contest -- winning by 44 seconds.
Side by side —
Emirates Team New Zealand made an encouraging start but it was the reigning champion which went on to dominate the contest -- winning by 44 seconds.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
Oracle Team USA skipper Jimmy Spithill celebrates the victory following the race's dramatic conclusion.
Jumping Jim,my —
Oracle Team USA skipper Jimmy Spithill celebrates the victory following the race's dramatic conclusion.
Justin Sullivan
The celebrations begin as Oracle Team USA pull off a momentous victory to win the America's Cup 9-8.
Champagne moment —
The celebrations begin as Oracle Team USA pull off a momentous victory to win the America's Cup 9-8.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images