Team New Zealand got a sneak peek at a potential America's Cup challenger on Monday, training next to American Magic.
The two syndicates made the most of excellent sailing conditions on Auckland's Waitemata Harbour, choosing to train on the same course if the five that will be used during next years regatta.
While the two AC75s kept in close contact, there was no suggestion they broke Cup protocol, which forbids organised training sessions between teams.
Sail-World called the training rin "a predictable draw", witnessing the boats cross tack frequently, with "neither team showing a significant advantage over the other in the brief period they were hooked up, usually one started substantially ahead or behind."
Both teams are still sailing their first-generation boats, although American Magic has confirmed, 'Patriot', the boat it will sail in the challenger series has been safely delivered into Auckland.
Fellow challengers Luna Rossa (Italy) and INEOS Team UK are currently transitioning to Auckland with some staff believed to already be in quarantine.
The World Series regatta is scheduled for December 17-20, featuring the Christmas Cup, involving the three challengers and Team New Zealand.
The Prada Cup challenger series will run through January and February before the America's Cup match in March.
