Emirates Team New Zealand have arrived in Naples with just over a year until the America's Cup trophy is on the line, using the time to familiarise themselves with the mid-summer sea-breeze conditions expected when racing gets underway.
Team coach Ray Davies was enthusiastic about what he found. "It's a pretty big moment for the team. Always is, first day back at a new venue. We're seeing 11 to 15 knots and very steady from around that 210 direction. So, the racecourse will be tucked in really close to the spectators, like we're right in here. And it is going to be stunning."
CEO Grant Dalton put the day in context. "A day like today, early July, one year to go, everything's semi under control as it ever is in this game. Today's our first day of sailing here in Naples. Perfect conditions. The racecourse is ideal. In fact, all the guys on the chase today have said, 'Wow, what an amazing place to sail.'"
Dalton drew a comparison to an earlier milestone. "I remember the very first day we sailed in Barcelona with the AC75, and it was kind of that moment, when you think, 'Wow, look what we've managed to do.' Today's the same sort of feeling."
The Kiwis were not alone on the water. Home favourites Luna Rossa also had two boats out on a day that delivered blue skies, flat blue water, and the city of Naples stacked up behind them as a backdrop.
