Sailing may not be known as a typical record-setting sport, but one of the greatest comebacks of sports history took place during the 34th America’s Cup in San Francisco Bay. After being down 8-1 to Emirates Team New Zealand, Oracle Team USA won eight consecutive races to beat Team New Zealand 9-8. This was also one of the first sailing events to be broadcast on NBC sports.

The improved technology of both the boats used and broadcasting have helped increase sailing popularity. These new boats have made sailing a more enjoyable sport to watch. Instead of long yachts cruising slowly, the new AC-72 catamarans travel faster than the wind itself. Additionally, these 86 foot “speed boats” sail above the water in a flying-like manner, giving them the ability to overcome water resistance. According to NBC, the top recorded speed of these “rocket boats” is 50.8 miles per hour, achieved by Team New Zealand in only 18 miles per hour of wind. These never-before-seen catamarans brought 700,000 visitors to the 34th America’s Cup, according to KALW, San Francisco.

As excitement grows, international teams and fans are already preparing for the 35th America’s Cup, which will take place in Bermuda during  the year 2017. Six teams are expected to participate, including Team New Zealand and Team USA. As Artemis Racing sits in 1st place in the qualifiers for this event, Team USA looks to equalize, as they are only four points behind in the standings. “It’s the biggest crowd yet,” said skipper James Spithill of the last Louis Vuitton America’s Cup World Series for 2015. For the qualifier events, the teams are racing AC-45 yachts, which are half the size of the fast AC-72 yachts. Oracle Team USA looks to defend the oldest trophy in international sports in Bermuda 2017.