Team New Zealand are set to open their America's Cup account against Team France.

High winds are threatening the opening day of racing for the America's Cup this weekend.

Weather forecasts predict gust of more than 30 knots which is well beyond the upper safety limit of 24 knots for racing to be held.

America's Cup organisers have given an early warning.

"Whilst the wind may drop within the raceable limits of 6-24 knots later in the evening, the safety of both the sailors and spectators is always paramount, and a decision whether to open the America's Cup Village or not will be taken accordingly."

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They said an early decision could be taken and, with a more favourable forecast for Sunday, the start of the regatta could be postponed for a day if necessary.

There are plans for an official opening ceremony to follow the first day of races, adding heat on organisers to get the show under way and cash in on a weekend crowd in Bermuda.

"With a sellout crowd, and huge anticipation for what we are confident will be one of the most competitive America's Cups ever, rest assured that we are doing everything we can to ensure that the opening day goes ahead," America's Cup Event Authority CEO Russell Coutts said.

"However, if the prudent decision is to postpone the start of the event, then racing will be rescheduled (to Sunday), where the weather forecast indicates great racing conditions."

Emirates Team New Zealand are set to race Groupama Team France in their opening race of the Louis Vuitton qualifying series which is a double round-robin format involving all six syndicates, including the defenders Oracle.

Organisers face a mammoth task to get their schedule through with 30 riound-robin races set to be squeezed into eight days, with just one lay day.

Team New Zealand schedule for Louis Vuitton qualifiers

Saturday: v Team France

Sunday: v Oracle Team USA

Monday v Team Japan, v BAR (Gt Britain)

Tuesday: v Artemis Racing (Sweden)

Wednesday: v Artemis Racing

Thursday: v BAR

Friday: lay day

June 3: v Team Japan, v Team France.

June 4: v Oracle Team USA