Cape Town — Never before has there been an America's Cup campaign quite like that of Team Shosholoza.

And not even Team Shosholoza will be able to repeat its maiden challenge.

South Africa's first foray into the tough-as-nails competition for the America's Cup has been of almost fairy tale proportions.

As the new kids on the block made good, they challenged not only for the cup, but also convention as they brought a new dimension to the cut and thrust at the highest level of competitive sailing.

For three years the newcomers to this heady mix of cold professionalism and red-hot contests have lived like Spartans, while surrounded by the luxury of their opponents.

They have gone through hard times and failures; they've tasted bitter defeat and sweet victory.

Now, they are recognised by their peers as real competitors and are no longer seen as also-rans.

And that is one of the biggest reasons why Team Shosholoza will never be the same if a second campaign comes off the ground.

"We will never have the same learning curve as we had this time," said Gui Verhover, Shosholoza pitman.

"It has been a wonderful experience, it has been a really great thing to do, but if we mount another challenge, we will have to throw a lot more money at it. It will be essential for us to have a two-boat campaign.

"It was tough at the beginning, very tough. Last year was very tough, as we travelled to all those events we took part in.

"It was also tough to get used to this place (Valencia), but then it started to grow on one and it may not be so easy to leave."

Verhovert said he would certainly be available if a second campaign was launched.

"Yes, I am sure I will be available again. But we must do it right, we must have the right budget. We can never do it in the same way as we had done this one."

Navigator Marc Lagesse agreed. "The campaign was a wonderful opportunity, the learning curve was huge. If the next campaign flies, of course I would like to be involved, but we'd have to have the finances and there would have to be some fundamental changes, improvements.

"We did very well for the limited budget, but the truth is, we saved a lot on crew.

"Many people thought we were a bunch of lemons who pulled up to sail here, but the truth is our team includes a large number of very good sailors.

"Look at Ian Ainslie, for instance. He is a triple Olympian. We were not merely Wednesday night sailors; we just did not have any previous America's Cup experience, that's all."

Marcello Burricks is also adamant he would be available for the next campaign and was less concerned about how it would have to be done.

"I am so grateful for all of this. It was fantastic and I will gladly do it again," he said.

"Yes, we will have to do better then, but I am always ready to do this again."

Joe Heywood wants to weigh up his options. He has been off the boat since a bad knee injury earlier this year and is still not allowed to work. It has been a source of deep frustration for him.

"I am keen, but I have to get my head sorted out," he said.

"I think they will have to think about improving conditions for the crew for the next one, but I would love to do it again if I know I will have sailing time, work to do."