Determined not to be outdone by other America's Cup syndicates, GBR Challenge chief Peter Harrison says he will fly their second boat out to Auckland as soon as possible to give his British team time to practise on two new generation boats.

Harrison is anxious that GBR 78, which is nearing completion in Cowes just three months after the launch of the first boat GBR 70, is in New Zealand well ahead of the Louis Vuitton Challenger series to put Britain on an equal footing with the eight other syndicates who will all have second boats on the water during preparations.

He is also anxious that the costs of transporting it are offset by help from a corporate partner or sponsor since his bill for Britain's attempt to win back the America's Cup has now reached a mind-boggling £22.5 million.

"Flying will give us a gain of some five weeks versus marine shipping and is the only way to get GBR 78 there in time for the sailing team to practise on two new generation boats and tune up the second boat prior to the start of the Louis Vuitton Cup on October 1," Harrison explained.

"To have a second boat is a resource that the team's hard work and dedication deserves and also gives us an insurance policy backup.

"This is a fantastic opportunity for individuals or companies to support a supremely organised and talented British team at the America's Cup. Supporters will gain branding on the hull of the boat on her epic journey, and at the GBR Challenge base"

GBR 78 will be finished by the end of July. It is planned that the boat will leave Cowes on Saturday August 3 - the first day of Skandia Life Cowes Week - on a barge and will board a plane to Auckland, NZ two days later.