Prime Minister Helen Clark described the defeated Team New Zealand sailors as heroes Wednesday and vowed her government would support another kiwi challenge in the next Americas Cup.

A thrilling one-second victory by Alinghi ensured a 5-2 victory for the Swiss challenge in Valencia Tuesday. Alinghi became only the fourth defender in the 156-year history of the cup to retain the Auld Mug.

The desperate hopes of New Zealand fans were dashed by the wafter-thin loss but Clark suggested Team New Zealand should be treated like champions.

"They are heroes, they have had to rebuild from what was a disaster in 2003, they've come back very, very strongly", Clark said, referring to the 5-0 nil loss to Alinghi in Auckland in the previous series. "It's been an incredible recovery and they have done New Zealand proud", she told reporters Wednesday.

The government put up nearly 34 million dollars (26.6 million US) for the latest campaign and is likely to put in a similar amount again to ensure New Zealand can mount a campaign for the next America's Cup, Clark said.

The government said Wednesday it would put up 10 million dollars initially to ensure key crew members could be retained.

The publicity generated from the racing and the boost to economic activity had been immeasurable, Clark said.

"I'm absolutely satisfied it's been a good taxpayer investment. "

Source AFP