Emirates Team New Zealand has hit the water for the first time in Bermuda, ahead of next month's America's Cup regatta.
It wasn't in their ACC boat which only touched down on the Atlantic island a week ago. Instead a handful of team members including tactician Ray Davies surveyed Bermuda's Great Sound from a chase boat.
"On a day like today, this is as good as it gets" said Davies of the conditions.
"Perfectly flat water, we haven't really had a cloud in the sky. 12 to 14 knots, it's a glamour."
ETNZ also took the opportunity to cast an eye over the opposition with Land Rover BAR and Groupama Team France out sailing.
"They're going pretty well. It's impressive to see these boats sailing, it's always pretty exhilarating."
A second session of organized practice sailing has just concluded without the New Zealand syndicate. They're still in the process of recommissioning their AC50 after air-freighting it from Auckland to Bermuda.
The next practice race period begins on April 24th.
"It'll be really interesting to see how the teams improve over the next couple of weeks."
The first race of the Louis Vuitton Qualifiers is set for May 26th.
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