After years of battles off the water, today's the day we'll finally see Team New Zealand battle it out on the water instead.

The Prada Auckland World Series begins this afternoon, with four races a day over the next three days.

The build-up event doesn't count towards the final result.

AUT sailing expert Mark Orams told Tim Dower sailing fans will be able to see Team New Zealand race properly before the main event.

Orams says the global pandemic hasn't been enough to stop the event going ahead.

"As an America's Cup fan, it feels like Christmas morning and I am excited to see what these boats can do."

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