Oracle Team USA defeated Emirates Team New Zealand in San Francisco Wednesday to claim the America鈥檚 Cup, capping off one of the greatest comebacks in sports history. Billionaire Larry Ellison鈥檚 team, on the brink of elimination, reeled off eight straight wins to take the regatta 9-8.聽
, the biggest previous comeback took place in 1983 when Alan Bond鈥檚 Australia II rebounded from 3-1 to win a best-of-seven series over the New York Yacht Club.
The Oracle team started behind New Zealand after being docked two points for cheating during preliminary competition. They then fell to 3-1 after struggling with their maneuvers and sailing upwind. However, Oracle Team took advantage of a halt in the racing, making a number of adjustments to the boat and shifting their personnel. They returned faster and more agile in the water before ripping off their incredible comeback run.