This Weekend: The best places for America's Cup action

If chewing your fingernails for breakfast doesn't appeal this weekend, we've rounded up some places you can share the agony and ecstasy of the America' Cup racing.

Mass hysteria at Shed 10:

Doors open at 7.15am Saturday, but it will pay to get in quick as they shut the doors when it gets full (today, that was 8am, Saturday may be even busier). However, there's talk that The Cloud may open up for overflow, depending on the numbers in the morning. We plan to pack a flask of coffee - one cup won't be enough to calm our nerves - wear our red socks and cross every finger and toe. Do not provoke the gods with anything that smacks of hubris.

Details: Shed 10, Queens Wharf, Auckland

Tasty selections at DeBretts Hotel

DeBretts Hotel have pumped up the big screens in their house bar and will have a tipple or two to help those sailors along. Get a group together, or head out early with your plus one and kick off the weekend with a champagne breakfast.

Details: DeBretts Hotel House Bar, 2 High St, Auckland. Email reservations@hoteldebrett.com for more info.

Make friends with people in the know

There are plenty of great parties around town - Nespresso has been filling Viaduct's Soul Bar. Plus the Royal NZ Yacht Squadron, Murray's Bay and other sailing clubs have rounded up members, friends and family - but unfortunately that's members or by invite-only. Now is the time to call that buddy you'd turned down for crewing and ask for an invite.

Host your own America's Cup do at home:

We love putting on a spread for all our buds, and this is a great chance to prep a big breakie. If that sounds too stressful, make it a pot luck and get everyone to bring around their favourite class Kiwi dish. We asked Food Hub Editor Jo Elwin to pick some recipes to inspire. Check them out here.

Check out this weekend's Weather Watch:

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