Sailing: Team Japan seen spying on Team New Zealand

Softbank Team Japan skipper Dean Barker answers questions at a media conference. Photo / Getty Images

The America's Cup might still be a year away, but there's plenty of clandestine behaviour going on between teams.

Team Japan technical director Nick Holroyd was spotted watching the launch of his old crew Team New Zealand's boat earlier this month.

Chief executive and skipper of Team Japan Dean Barker, says it's part and parcel to keep an eye on what everyone else is doing.

Barker says Holroyd's camouflage didn't work too well.