It's getting crowded on the gulf these days

If the wind gods are kind today, the Hauraki Gulf will turn into Grand Central Station.

Three more boats are ready to join the fleet of challengers sailing out on the gulf course in the countdown to race one of the Louis Vuitton Cup on October 18.

Prada's first Luna Rossa boat was dipped into the water outside her base yesterday and Young America's second boat is set to make her debut today. Paul Cayard's AmericaOne will not be far behind.

But the Swiss and the Hawaiians are still busy in their sheds in the Cup village, while the Australian boat remains high and dry on her floating crane.

Tension is rising on the water as the challengers check each other out. Young America's first boat, USA53, was dogged by chase-boats from eight different syndicates in one day earlier this week.

The French and Spanish - old sparring partners on the Mediterranean - got together again in an impromptu duel on Wednesday afternoon, but Bravo Espana was forced to turn away early when she suffered boom damage.

When Team New Zealand's latest boat, NZL60, arrives in the village today, there will be 20 new and old America's Cup class yachts in residence.