Video: TV New Zealand reports on the challenges teams face with the unknown boats

TV New Zealand's Martin Tasker sends another interesting report from the Louis Vuitton Pacific Series and the continuing preparations, especially of the 8 teams that will have to race on the BMW Oracle and Emirates Team NZ yachts.

Gavin Brady and Paolo Cian, helmsmen of Greek Challenge and Shosholoza respectively, talked about the feeling at sailing these boats. Brady, former BMW Oracle helmsman, pointed out that they had 5 years at the American team in order to get ready for the America's Cup while the Greek team has only 5 days. Despite the fact there are more medalists on the Greek team than BMW Oracle, the learning curve is extremely steep. On the other hand, for Cian it is a once in a lifetime opportunity to learn their secrets. A few months ago they would have paid a fortune to do it while now it's free, according to the Italian match racer.

Even Ben Ainslie, helmsman for Team Origin, has to take things slowly. The former second helmsman of Emirates Team NZ might know the boats and his kiwi opponents inside out, he will have to tame his aggressive sailing in order not to ruin the event by crashing the yachts on the first day.

Martin Tasker reports on the strange sights of the Louis Vuitton Pacific Series . Auckland, 25 January 2009. Video copyright TV New Zealand