KEY POINTS:
Thousands of supporters queued in the sweltering Auckland heat yesterday for the rare opportunity to enter Team New Zealand's base for the America's Cup challenge.
Crew members were on hand inside the base at the Viaduct Harbour, to sign autographs and chat with visitors.
The open day gave the public a chance to farewell the crew on before they head to Valencia, Spain, to take part in the Louis Vuitton Cup between April and June.
The Louis Vuitton will determine who will challenge the America's Cup holders Alinghi, of Switzerland.
The 32nd America's Cup will be run from June 23 to July 7.
Skipper Dean Barker said the day was a chance for the public to meet the team and see what they had been doing during the past few years.
"It was fantastic to see so many supporters," he said. "It means a lot to the guys. We just love having the support and we hope we can make New Zealand proud this year."
Emirates Team NZ had a good chance of winning, he said. "The one thing you can't control is what the other teams are up to.
"We know it won't be easy. There are some good challengers.
"Alinghi will be tough to beat.
"The biggest competition is yourself. You have to make sure you are 100 per cent prepared and haven't left any stone unturned."
Family members of the crew would be travelling to Valencia, he said.
"It's too long to tough it out on our own. It's about being comfortable ... it will be a home away from home but it's not New Zealand."
Team NZ's two yachts will be flown to Spain next month.
Set up inside the base yesterday were interactive displays, including technical information about the yachts.
Nine-year-old Grace Gill tried her hand at grinding, but said afterwards it was "too much work".
"It was hard and tiring. I like kayaking better," she said.
Takapuna resident Brian Laycock, 56, said the technical displays interested him the most.
Birkenhead couple Nick and Lucy Oliver queued for 30 minutes to get in. "It's the closest we will get to the race ... We won't be in Valencia. You don't get to go around a base often."
Team NZ grinder and former Olympic rowing champion Rob Waddell said the team would perform well. "We will be good. Whether it's good enough we don't know, but it's got a good feeling about it."
On the water
* The Louis Vuitton Cup will be held between April and June in Valencia, Spain.
* The America's Cup races will be staged at the same venue from June 23 to July 7.
