Fleets of spectator boats are expected on the water to watch the America's Cup races from tomorrow, and boaties are being asked to obey the rules.
Salama Lowe says her cafe is a favourite spot for the sailing teams to grab their morning coffee. Photo: RNZ / Amy Williams
The America's Cup World Series kicks off with the first race in the leadup to next year's cup final.
The racing will continue into the weekend and businesses along the Viaduct Harbour are expecting - and hoping - for crowds.
It has been a long hard year for many hospitality businesses in Auckland and those along the waterfront are pinning their hopes on a busy summer.
Rush Worth cafe is among the bars and restaurants on the main promenade at the Viaduct Basin and operations manager Salama Lowe said they had been preparing for the start of the America's Cup racing.
"We are expecting a busy weekend and I think also we've been very lucky with the weather which always helps," she said.
"We have staffed up in the last few weeks - we've recruited a whole bunch of new people."
The cafe is a favourite spot for the sailing teams to grab their morning coffee.
"There's lots of mixing and mingling and it's all friendly, isn't it, when it's off the water. It's nice to have all the teams come in for a coffee. It's become a little hub for them which is great."
Lowe is also managing a coffee cart within the America's Cup Village where spectators are expected to gather to watch the action on the harbour.
Restaurant humming
Further along the waterfront strip, business at North Park restaurant has jumped tenfold in recent weeks.
Executive chef Scott Greer said the place was humming with locals and visitors in the city for the Cup.
"Business has picked up; there's a lot more people around, all the syndicates we're dealing with their families, feeding them, plus the weather's helping."
He said they were expecting summer months to be busy as the racing unfolded.
"Straight across is the English team and American Magic and it's great they come in and out all day so you can sit, have a feed and a beer and just watch it, it's great."
Out on the water, each race will be quick - 25 minutes - and held in the afternoon with a racing window between 4pm to 6pm.
Boaties welcome
America's Cup Events chair Tina Symmans said boaties were encouraged to come out on the water to watch, and their safety was paramount.
"Anyone can take their boats. I think it's probably not a good idea to take small craft, kayaks and so on, but anybody's welcome. This is the philosophy of the America's Cup event and Team New Zealand, is to be incredibly welcoming and open to everybody."
Symmans said spectator boats in Auckland would need to keep within the boundaries and those at the helm were asked to check the official cup website daily for speed restrictions and course boundaries.
She said about 17 course marshalls will be out directing spectator boats, and police boats will also be out on the water.
From left: Team NZ's chief executive Kevin Shoebridge, Tina Symmans and Auckland Mayor Phil Goff. (file pic) Photo: RNZ / Todd Niall
As for the first race tomorrow, all eyes will be on the weather and so far the forecast is promising.
Entry to the America's Cup Village is free and it will be the hub of the onshore activity with a big screen to watch the racing.
The best vantage point to follow the first of the racing from land is from North Head and Bastion Point.
Tomorrow's programme features four races starting at 3.12pm. The first match is between the defender, Emirates Team New Zealand and the challenger of record, Luna Rossa followed by American Magic and INEOS Team UK. Race 3 is between INEOS Team UK and Luna Rossa, with the final race between American Magic and Team New Zealand.