"The current and tide will be a significant factor sailing on the Hudson River. There is a tide that runs in and out which can be up to 2.5 knots and possibly 3 knots running down the river and that will then reverse for the incoming tide to run up the river at 1.5 to 2 knots with the flood tide and obviously the current will differ across the river - from the main stream to the banks," he said.
Badham and tactician Ray Davies have been working closely to study the weather forecast and local conditions to try to get a handle on how best to approach the racing.
"The forecast right now is looking quite variable which is never easy. Add to this we have the Hudson River with its strong current flow as well as a very turbulent breeze which does funny things coming through the Manhattan skyline, so this combined will create a very challenging racecourse." said Davies.
"It will require the teams to be really tuned in until the end of each race. Having the races close to shore will create some spectacular images. Hopefully we get some strong wind to really show what these boats can do."
The New York event is the fifth regatta in the Louis Vuitton America's Cup World Series, which Team New Zealand leads by six points overall.
Skipper Glenn Ashby puts his team's success thus far down to consistency, having produced a podium finish at every event so far. He hopes the Kiwi syndicate can continue to set the pace this weekend.
"If there is one thing these events illustrate vividly it is just how small the margins are between having a good or bad regatta, so you have to be on your game for every race especially the final day," said Ashby. "Our objective is to win and extend our lead overall. Simple as that."
