3.45pm
VALENCIA, SPAIN - Team NZ's replacement yacht NZL81 has joined seven other crews in final preparations for the next round of pre-America's Cup racing in Valencia.
Several teams took advantage of the opportunity for some last minute speed tuning against the opposition when the Race Committee for the Louis Vuitton Acts
set a race course for practice matches on Sunday.
The Louis Vuitton Acts 2 and 3 begin on Wednesday Spanish time in Valencia, the host city of the 32nd America's Cup.
After a short delay to allow the wind to increase and stabilise, racing began in light conditions, with a six to eight knot breeze.
Emirates Team New Zealand renewed acquaintances with its old rival from the 31st America's Cup, Team Alinghi.
NZL81 was flown to Valencia last week after a storm in Marseille damaged NZL82.
Team Shosholoza and +39 also faced off in a series of starts between the first two challengers to register for this America's Cup. There was some close action on these starts, as both teams battled hard.
The skippers from the teams will face the media in the opening press conference later today, while the crews complete their final training before racing begins on Tuesday.
- HERALD STAFF
America's Cup schedule 2004-2007
