The America’s Cup race track is very simple: two marks at the downwind end of the course and two upwind. Boats can round each mark either clockwise or anticlockwise. However, the distance between the down - and upwind marks, and the number of legs boats must race varies according to the wind conditions. The organisers’ aim is to keep races to about 20 minutes.

After the final leg, boats turn across the wind for a final short sprint to the finish, which is located as close to shore as possible, in front of the grandstands and the America’s Cup Village. But a race can be won or lost before it’s even begun. Boats must enter the starting box two minutes before the start, and they’ll not only manoeuvre for position – and to time their crossing of the start line so they’re travelling at maximum speed – but also try to force the other team into a penalty, from, for example, crossing the line early or making contact.

Once the race is under way, the two boats sail across the wind to a mark and then accelerate to their highest speeds as they 'bear away’ from the wind and head off to the downwind marks.