New Zealand has been analysing Ben Ainslie's race patterns, honed their technique, and made subtle final adjustments to their AC75 sails and foils as the America's Cup holder prepares for the British challenge.

Grant Dalton, CEO of the New Zealand team, said that after three years' preparation, much will depend on "trigger pulling", the final 25 seconds before the boats cross the starting line when they meet to compete for the Cup on Saturday.

Dalton commented on Britain's performance against Italy, saying that the sailors were likely tired and battle-hardened.

Dalton expects that the two AC75s will be "pretty equally" fast. This means the team who gets off to the fastest start has the best chance of winning the race.

Dalton, speaking outside New Zealand's Barcelona based on Wednesday, said that because "the fastest boats always win the America's Cup", any boat with a "slight advantage" is likely to be victorious.

The 67-year old still gets nervous before a "match" of the first-to-7 America's Cup.

AN ENIGMA

Dalton expressed "massive" respect for Ainslie's approach in the British campaign, and the role he played as "challenger-of-record" in the America's Cup future.

He is cautious of the British skipper.

Ben is a mystery in many ways, because he is such a lovely person. "On the water he is not very nice," he said.

Dalton, the 47-year-old most successful Olympic sailor, said that Ainslie could get himself into trouble if he threw something random.

Peter Burling of New Zealand, who won two America's Cups and three Olympic medals in his career, is about to put the hours he spent reviewing British decisions, as well as their handling of certain situations, to the test.

It's something that we'll just have to see what happens," said Burling. The 33-year-old has been working hard with his crew in order to remain sharp while the challenger series unfolded without him.

"The America's Cup race is to win the last event, not necessarily the very first. Our challenger has done a great job at improving and evolving. Burling said, "We're also really pleased with the progress that we've made."

Burling said the AC75s were "incredibly powerful and incredibly quick" but also easier to control than foiling catamarans, in which he led New Zealand to the America's Cup win in Bermuda in 2017.

Dalton and Burling confirmed that there was a strong following in Barcelona for the New Zealanders, even though they will not be defending their cup in Auckland 2021 before a home crowd.

It's exciting to see the number of Kiwis who have come out to cheer us on. Burling said that it will be a thrilling few weeks for sure. He added that the "amazing" city had been very welcoming.

Dalton, a supporter of Emirates Team New Zealand, said: "I almost ran over eight people wearing Emirates Team New Zealand shirts while riding my bike." (Reporting and editing by Christian Radnedge; Alexander Smith is the reporter)

(source: Reuters)