Yachting: New boat gets first taste of competition

NZL84 will have an easy run in the Valencia pre-regatta. Picture / Chris Cameron

Team New Zealand boss Grant Dalton says getting a read on their new boat NZL84 is the main priority in the 10th America's Cup pre-regatta which starts in Valencia overnight.

The Emirates-sponsored team face United internet Germany and Team Shosholoza tonight in the opening day of the six-day match racing regatta.

Team NZ will have an easy run into the regatta with their new boat.

They don't meet Luna Rossa and their new boat ITA86 until Tuesday and defenders Alinghi, who are racing their old boat SUI75, until Wednesday.

Chris Dickson's BMW Oracle Racing have indicated they intend racing their old boat USA76, so Team NZ should have the better of them when they square off on Sunday.

Team NZ were the second syndicate behind South Africa's Team Shosholoza to launch a 2007 generation boat.

Launched in December, NZL84 was tested against NZL81 over the New Zealand summer.

Dalton said they need to understand the strengths and weaknesses of NZL84 before they design their second and final boat.

"Our primary aim is to see whether we are happy where we have ranged the boat," he said.

"In the wind range, is it too far up the wind range, too far down the wind range or is it about right.

"We also need to test its speed through the different dynamics: around the startbox, tacking, upwind and downwind."

Team NZ have been based in the host city for a month.

Dalton believes his team are behind the other syndicates, who have been based in Spain for longer, in terms of venue development but doesn't think they are behind in terms of the boat.

"As expected Alinghi is looking strong, they are sailing a lot, they are not resting on their speed of last year," he said.

"They are impressive, they are big, they have plenty of muscle, financially they are incredible robust ... you can't help be impressed by the defender."

TEAM NZ

Act 10 - America's Cup pre-regatta, Valencia.

Overnight tonight: Emirates Team NZ v United internet Team Germany
Team NZ v Team Shosholoza

Saturday: Team NZ v Areva Challenge
Team NZ v Victory Challenge

Sunday: Team NZ v BMW Oracle Racing
Team NZ v Team China

Monday: Team NZ v +39
Team NZ v Mascalzone Latino

Tuesday: Team NZ v Espanol Desafio
Team NZ v Luna Rossa

Wednesday: Team NZ v Alinghi