After the hype and speculation dockside, ultimately it was form that shone through as Emirates Team New Zealand put on a dominant masterclass to win all three of the Practice Races in style. The tone for the day was set earlier at the Official Press Conference by Tom Slingsby, skipper for NYYC American Magic, who ramped up the competitiveness of the regatta saying: “It’s huge. As a team we haven’t raced much together so it’s a chance to improve as a team and in equal boats, if we beat whoever it would give us a mental edge to know that our team can beat your team in equal boats. I happen to think the mental game is very important in the America’s Cup.”