Team NZ to defend title

While the America's Cup has been dominated by money and technology, the Louis Vuitton, which starts in Auckland on Tuesday, promises to unearth the best all-round helmsman in an undeniably even arena.

Eight teams will race the same two boats, NZL92 and NZL84, with the seven day round-robin is likely to separate who will sink or swim.

Emirates Team New Zealand is out to defend the Pacific Series title it won in Auckland last summer and, led by skipper Dean Barker.

The elimination round starts on March 16 and is followed by the two-day finals series on March 20 and 21, which will have live coverage.

Racing was delayed on Tuesday as light southerlies were due to increase throughout the day, with racing expected to get underway about 12pm.

Barker was excited about the quality field that had assembled in the Viaduct Basin.

"The fantastic thing about this event this year is that the standard has got better," Barker said.

"I think it's a lot higher. Many of the teams have been training in the Version Five boats in preparation, so I think the bar has been lifted.

"We have to keep pushing to get better. All of the teams sitting here have the opportunity to win every time they line up."

Tuesday's opening regatta sees Barker's men up against Swedish crew Artemis, Italian Mascalzone Latino take on a combined French-German effort in All4One, Synergy Russian Sailing square-off against Aleph of France and Great Britain's Team Origin meet the second Italian hope Azzurra.