If there's one hard fact in a sea of uncertainty, this is identifying the team that needs to be beaten to win the America's Cup, the current Defender representatives, Emirates Team New Zealand.
Their new second boat took many by surprise as it was rolled out into the open for the first time. This is a bold, aggressively styled AC75 that is a long way from their first boat.
Team NZ unveiled their second AC75 Te Rehutai last week, impressing onlookers with its concave design which was a distinct departure in shape from the first boat.
Wing effect - In order to get extra power in light conditions, Team New Zealand are using a double mainsail in their latest AC75. Sheeting is visible in this photo that shows the crew controlling each skin separately
Such a big departure has raised plenty of questions so, in a Defender analysis, journalist Matt Sheahan explains in the video below what this means for both the Kiwis and the competition.
As Afloat reported earlier, four teams are signed up for the America's Cup World Series in Auckland and a Christmas Race format has been announced.
Team New Zealand has released a video showing the intense behind the scenes efforts from the design team to build their second America's Cup boat. Check out the New Zealand Herald article and video here
