Let the show begin

Tonight's boat parade and its accompanying show were undeniably spectacular and drew thousands of spectators despite the continuing and relentless downpour that started half an hour before the beginning of the show. Each and every one of the 12 teams paraded aboard their boat, slowly towed through the canal, from its end back to their bases.

Some of the teams were very austere while others chose to spice up their slow tow with flags, sails, messages or even shows. Alinghi chose to show the America's Cup on the bow of their yacht while Emirates Team NZ had a Maori dance group perform the Haka on the bow of the yacht. While the boats were passing in front of the spectators line up on the banks of the canal, a spectacular show of lights, fires and music was going on, finishing with a typically Valencian firework exhibition.

Emirates Team NZ called on the Maoris to help them get to the America's Cup. Valencia, 14 April 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

The Maoris perform the Haka and try to intimidate their adversaries. Valencia, 14 April 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Luna Rossa's ITA-94 and the crew in the boat parade. Valencia, 14 April 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

When you hold it you have to show it. The America's Cup itself on the bow of Alinghi's boat. Valencia, 14 April 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

"Everybody's challenge", the message the Spanish syndicate tried to convey to all Valencians that defied the rain. Valencia, 14 April 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

No translation needed for the Chinese. Valencia, 14 April 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Probably one of the best, most clever and coolest features of the show, the red man dancing over the globe. Valencia, 14 April 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing