The Prada Cup challenger series starts in Auckland on Friday, with Luna Rossa, American Magic and Team UK set to duke it out for the right to go up against Team New Zealand.
And while the teams are excited to hit the Hauraki Gulf, businesses surrounding the America's Cup Village face a nervous wait to see if sailing fans turn out for the curtain raiser to March's main event.
RNZ's Ella Stewart spoke to a number of businesses hoping the Prada Cup provides some relief on the back of a rough year.
