KEY POINTS:
Every person entering the America's Cup venue in Valencia has to go through a security check as stringent as that at most international airports
A giant wire fence lines the perimeter of the cup venue encompassing the 12 syndicate bases, the cup park, shops, and numerous bars and restaurants.
There are only a couple of entrances to the venue which everyone - from team members to media, to members of the public - must pass through.
Everyone must put their bags, coats, etc through x-ray machines then pass through metal detectors themselves.
Team members, event organisers and media are issued with photographic identification which must be presented on arrival. Once in the venue, members of the public are free to roam around.
The syndicate bases are obviously off limits and are surrounded by big solid walls.
Throughout last year's cup pre-regattas there was a strong police presence in and around the venue.
And while the security process inevitably creates delays - last year 263,873 people visited the America's Cup venue over a 10-day period - it is a small price to pay.
During the regatta in Auckland fans were free to walk around the Viaduct and along Halsey St's "syndicate row".
But at the last event in Auckland, the participation of two American teams and many high-profile American sports and businessmen - including software mogul Larry Ellison, Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen and telecommunications magnate Craig McCaw - resulted in police stepping up security.
The cup in Valencia is a necessary step up from that again.
