The duel to uncover New Zealand's ultimate challenger for the America's Cup is set to launch on Waitemata Harbour.
Britain's Team UK and Italy's Luna Rossa will contest the first race in a best-of-13 Prada Cup challengers final series on Saturday.
The match-up is the first time two European nations have gone head-to-head in the last chance series.
Leading British sailing writer Rob Peake spoke to Corin Dann.