Shosholoza will be back for the next America's Cup whether it is in Europe or New Zealand.

"What we wanted was to put South Africa on the world yachting map", said on Saturday Salvatore Sarno, the head of the South African syndicate. "We've achieved this and we will once again be present for the 33rd America's Cup".

"We're targetting a budget of €30 million and hope that the Cup will be held in Valencia again in 2009," he added. "New Zealand won the America's Cup at their third go. We are going to do it after two -- seeing as we always beat them at rugby."

"I'm a bit worried about what I'm saying because it means starting again, not sleeping during the nights again but we have created a symbol that is Shosholoza and I want to continue to show this South Africa."

When Sarno set up the team, he had difficulty signing up sponsors because many companies saw sailing as an elitist sport -- not the ideal image for post-apartheid South Africa.

But Shosholoza quickly won the hearts of the people and the press and was voted the favourite sports team in a country better known for its cricket and rugby.

"In the past we couldn't live together, work together or play together. Shosholoza at one stroke has presented a different image to the world, what we want to become" said team patron Archbishop Desmond Tutu.