Kiwis are main obstacle to keeping Cup here

Contrary to media speculation, Bermudas chances of hosting the 36th Americas Cup are still strong if Oracle Team USA win.

Thats a big if, though, because Emirates Team New Zealand have built up some serious momentum and were very impressive against Artemis Racing.

But should Oracle retain the Auld Mug, then Bermuda would be in the driving seat and have the first right of negotiations.

Other venues would be considered only if those negotiations werent concluded satisfactorily. Theres no doubt Bermuda has been a very, very successful host and I know theres a desire from Oracle to remain here, thats for sure.

The Great Sound, with its variable conditions, really is the perfect venue for this type of racing.

Obviously, theres no chance of the Americas Cup returning to the island if New Zealand win.

And looking at their performances in the Louis Vuitton Americas Cup Challenger Play-off Finals, the Kiwis are going to be very tough to beat.

Theyre certainly sailing their boat fast and executing their manoeuvres very consistently.

Eliminating any mistakes will be key because Oracle are going to be a very different proposition to what the Kiwis have faced so far.

Artemis threw some races away because of poorly performed manoeuvres and I just dont envisage Jimmy Spithill and his boys making those mistakes. In fact, Jimmy will look to punish Pete Burling if the Team New Zealand helmsman makes even the slightest error.

Clearly, Petes start record hasnt been great to date and this will be the first time he has really been under the spotlight.

Theres nothing like an Americas Cup final in sailing. Its a far different experience from the eliminators heading out there for race one, I can tell you that!

Its going to be a big test for both teams and will be really interesting to see who comes out on top.

Team New Zealand have played things pretty conservatively at the start because theyre so confident in their boat speed.

I imagine they will employ those same tactics, although they wont want give away too much against a team as experienced as Oracle.

Theres a fair bit on the line for both teams as Jimmy wont want to compromise his own great record in the Americas Cup.

It will have been 13 days since Oracle last raced competitively, although I know Jimmy and his team have been doing their own preparations and working hard on improving their boat.

Theres still a fair bit you can do with the modifications on the various components on the boat and the way you use your technology.

These two boats sail very differently and both teams will continue to evolve and make adjustments.

Last time in San Francisco, in 2013, it was a great race between two very strong teams, when Oracle clawed their way back from 8-1 down.

I really feel as though were in for another treat this time around.

 Sir Russell Coutts was talking to Stephen Wright