Some pundits are predicting that a Kerikeri connection could tip the scales for the Swiss watch company Armin Strom's team in the international GC32 yacht racing tour.
In this week's second event of the tour, the Malcesine Cup in Italy - where they finished third - four of Armin Strom team members have one major thing in common - the place they call home.
Team manager Sharon Ferris-Choat, bowman Alex Bryning, boat captain Ned Dalbeth-Hudson and two-time Kiwi Olympian Andrew Murdoch, the latest addition to Armin Strom Sailing Team, all grew up in Kerikeri. Their passion for sailing was ignited while attending Kerikeri High School.
Sharon Ferris-Choat, stepping aboard for this event as mainsheet trimmer and tactician, said their hometown link could prove an advantage.
"There is something in knowing you've all been brought up in the same place," she said.