KEY POINTS:
Valencia - When NZL92 eases away from the dock on the first day of the America's Cup challenger series, the 17 men on board will look back at two things most dear to them.
From the roof of their base in Valencia their wives, partners and children will be waving them off. And shadowing the black boat out to the race course on Monday night (NZT) will be the waka Te Ika a Maui (the fish of Maui) - a symbol of the team's origin, to which they hope to return with one of the world's greatest sporting trophies.
As well, Prime Minister Helen Clark will be on board the race boat at the back as 18th person. The time to erase the loss to Alinghi four years ago is finally here.
A feeling of calmness reigns at the base and the top-ranked challenger is in a comfortable position. Slick black NZL84 and NZL92 are admired and feared. Their race crew have gone over every manoeuvre a million times to ready for the battle ahead.
Tourism NZ has had a big presence in Valencia over the past four days, showcasing the country to the world.
A function will be held at Team NZ's base this morning (NZT) to welcome the waka and will be attended by Helen Clark, Auckland City Mayor Dick Hubbard and Spanish dignitaries. Mr Hubbard will present Valencia Mayor Rita Barbara with a waka paddle as part of a cultural exchange and symbol of Auckland handing over the America's Cup to her city.
The arts group Toi Maori's practice sessions have been echoing around the port for the past few days. "I don't know how each person reacts to that but it makes me think of home," said Emirates Team NZ managing director Grant Dalton.
Team NZ returned to Valencia in March after training on the Hauraki Gulf over the summer and the 120 or so team members live in apartments around the America's Cup port.
While Valencia has done a tremendous job in developing the port for the cup - spending close to $600 million - the high crime rate is a disappointing aspect of life here.
Muggings and robberies occur regularly and it is believed gangs from outside Valencia are in the city to target the cup community specifically. Intruders have entered team members' homes while the occupants have been asleep, released a gas to ensure they stay that way, then robbed them.
The cup is the biggest international event in Spain this year, which could also make it a target for terrorists, so security has been boosted.
Every person who enters the port is searched, and cellphone coverage is weak, to try to prevent terrorists from using mobiles to activate bombs.
On the weather front, conditions have yet to settle. Spain should be basking in warm spring weather but an unseasonable cold snap has brought icy winds, grey skies and heavy rain. Next week's forecast is not much better.
In tonight's opening ceremony, the 12 teams will sail along a canal, which leads to the race course, passing by four 50m monuments symbolising water, air, earth and fire.
"We are definitely ready," Team NZ skipper Dean Barker said. "We are confident in our preparation. We are confident in our boat."
Ready to sail
* Valencia has spent almost $600 million to develop the America's Cup port.
* The competition is the most international yet, with 12 teams taking part.
* The weather is not looking good because of an unseasonable cold snap.
* The other fly in the ointment is the high crime rate, with muggings and robberies a common occurrence.
