The Team New Zealand shore crew are all hands on deck keeping the ageing Louis Vuitton Trophy regatta boats on the waters of the Waitemata harbour.

Such is the fragility of the boats, winds of around 25 to 30 knots saw the postponement of three of the four races yesterday.

In the one race that was completed, Emirates Team New Zealand suffered its first defeat, beaten by 38 seconds by French team, ALEPH.

Principal race officer Peter Reggio says the wind just got too strong during the start to the second race but he has no concerns the boats will be ready for racing today. He says the shore crews are doing an incredible job and are responsible for holding the event together.

The three races abandoned yesterday will be tagged onto the end of today's racing as officials will attempt to get through an ambitious seven races. Reggio says if things go well it could be almost 7pm by the time they get in to shore tonight.

Racing will get underway half an hour earlier today, at 9:30am.

Meanwhile the America's Cup is returning to New Zealand, where it will be on public display during the Louis Vuitton Trophy.