The new GBR Challenge base in Auckland was officially opened by syndicate boss Peter Harrison last week in the next phase of Britain's bid to win the America's Cup for the first time in the event's 150-year history.

Both the training boats - GBR 44 and 52 - have now arrived in Auckland and practice racing, which began in the Solent last summer, has been resumed with around 40 British yachtsmen all vying for places ahead of the Challenger finals later this year.

"I have a very good feeling about being in Auckland and in realising a long-held personal ambition to enter the America's Cup - this challenge is not a one-off," said Harrison.

"Firstly we have 14 years to make up and we have taken a number of strategic actions to do what the All Black Rugby Team would call playing catch-up rugby.

"We are well aware of the learning curves we have to climb but I am doing this with real ambition of winning and bringing the Cup to the UK.

"Our results at the America's Cup Jubilee against Team New Zealand and Prada caused quite an impact but there's still a long way to go yet. Our sponsors and partners will benefit from being part of an exciting and rewarding journey."

The British base - Base 8 - has a sail loft, pontoon, and a number of offices to house the large sailing, shore and design team assembled by Harrison from his UK base in Cowes where the new boat has already started to be built.