All you need to know

Who is racing?

New Zealand are among the 10 teams in the elite sailing series that was founded in 2019. Their best finish was second last season.

The other teams are Australia, who have been winners in its three editions, the United States, Denmark, Spain, Great Britain, France, Canada, Germany and Switzerland.

Which teams are in form?

Australia, led by champion sailor Tom Slingsby, won their first regatta in Sydney, in their eighth attempt, after sitting atop the leaderboard for most of the season.

New Zealand have the most event wins, with three, but are second to the Aussies and trail by 10 points.

What’s the format?

It’s simple. There are three fleet races today and two more tomorrow, then the three leading boats contest the match race final. Teams collect points based on their finish in each race. For example, first place is awarded 10 and 10th place is awarded one.

Who is in New Zealand’s crew?

Burling is back for New Zealand in their home event, replacing their interim helmsman for last month’s Sydney regatta, his Team New Zealand and America’s Cup team-mate Nathan Outteridge.

He rejoins celebrated sailing partner Blair Tuke, their other chief executive and the boat’s wing trimmer. Aboard as grinders are Louis Sinclair and Marcus Hansen, with Andy Maloney as flight controller and Josh Junior in a new on-shore coaching role. The strategists are Jo Aleh, Erica Dawson and Liv Mackay.

What’s the weather forecast?

Christchurch is poised for a fine Saturday but with a chance of showers in the evening. Winds are light but could approach 15 knots.

Tomorrow is also expected to be fine with lower winds.