Jochen Schuemann's build-up to the challenger series was to work Russell Coutts as hard as he could.
Alinghi's back-up helmsman and strategist was often seen at the wheel of SUI64, making sure Coutts on SUI75 was match-fit before the Louis Vuitton Cup began on October 1.
Since then, thepair have sailed together, Schuemann calling the strategy in an afterguard featuring Coutts, Brad Butterworth and syndicate boss Ernesto Bertarelli.
Schuemann, 48, a native of the former East Germany, is the oldest sailor on the boat. He sailed as a youngster, and joined a special school where lessons were juggled around sailing. He won three Olympic gold medals in sailing, plus many European titles.
Schuemann says his sailing success has come from a strong mental edge and a desire to minimise the risks.
"In sailing you are playing with nature and you have to work with whatever it throws at you that day. Patience is important."
Team NZ: Peter Evans
Peter Evans is well into his fourth America's Cup campaign, making him one of the more experienced hands on Team New Zealand's black boat this month.
Evans, 41, has been a key member of the New Zealand strategic afterguard in the build-up to the racing and had a hand in their weather programme. He worked for the 1992 and 2000 New Zealand teams and the 1995 Nippon challenge, but says this project is his favourite.
"We're working very hard and we're tired all the time, but it's the most satisfying campaign too."
Evans grew up sailing out of the Wakatere Sailing Club on the North Shore, starting as an 11-year-old crewing on a Frostbite dinghy.
He went on to world Europe championships and the Olympics, picking up a dozen national titles on the way.
Evans says in his job as a tactician he must use as much technical information as is available.
"But you're also getting intuitive information, so you have to run on gut feeling."
