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A BMW Oracle boat being transported through Auckland - Source: Gilles Martin-Raget/BMW ORACLE Racing -
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Team New Zealand and BMW Oracle will square off in the preliminary rounds of yachting's Louis Vuitton Pacific Series in Auckland.
They have been drawn in Pool A along with French syndicate K-Challenge, Damiani Italia Challenge and China Team.
Pool B has America's Cup holders Alinghi drawn with Greek Challenge, Team Origin, Team Shosholoza and Luna Rossa.
The rules and course layouts for the Series have been given the thumbs up following a glitzy draw in Auckland on Tuesday night.
The two courses to be used will see the 10 teams compete off Auckland Harbour's North Head, inside a shipping lane and closer to shallow water and providing an excellent view for spectators.
Team New Zealand manager Kevin Shoebridge says it is a thrill to be on the cusp of competing again.
He says the excitement has grown since they got back on the water with some of the other crews over the last week.
All teams will rotate between Team New Zealand's NZL 84 & 92 and BMW Oracle's USA 87 & 98 specially modified boats.
Luna Rossa skipper Peter Holmberg says he has no problems with the decision to move further the regatta closer to the shoreline.
He says there will be no shortage of obstacles but it is good for the sport.
Holmberg says he has been away from New Zealand for six years and it is a beautiful story that Auckland is hosting this event.
The regatta begins on Friday and will be live streamed on
tvnz.co.nz and broadcasted on Sport Extra (Freeview channel
20).
