America's Cup: What to expect on day one of the finals

Well here we go, on the countdown to Day 1 (Races 1 and 2) of the 35th America's Cup.

The wind predictions for the Great Sound are inconsistent due to the unusual east to north-easterly wind pattern over Bermuda at present. This is due to a high pressure system located to the north of the island bringing cloud in from the east and the potential of some rain.

The wind prediction models offered via PredictWind are highly variable reflecting the instability of the system.

When different wind prediction models provide high variability in their forecasts we have less confidence in their accuracy. Currently the models predict the following wind-strengths at start time on Day 1:

PWG: 13-20 knots
PWC: 15-25 knots
GFS: 10-13 knots
ECMWF: 8-11 knots

Thus, it is likely both Emirates Team NZ and Team Oracle USA will select their higher wind strength configurations, but they may need to sail them "down-range" - that is adjust to race them in lower strengths than their optimal.

In addition, given the inconsistency in wind strength and instability of the weather system it will likely be a tricky day for the teams tactically. Positioning relative to puffs and wind-shifts will be important. It will not be an easy day to get every call right.

This weather and wind-pattern is forecast to continue onto Day 2 of the Cup but with slightly lower wind speeds.