We wanted to save time and to work in a dry place. But the only problem is closing the roof - last weekend we got soaked inside the shed. This is the first Swiss America's Cup campaign. Sledgehammers pound away on tarmac. Backhoes alternately scrape and groan, moving the dislodged pieces of earth.
Electric saws slice through plywood, cutting new walls and barriers.
Generators purr as spray-guns apply fresh coats of paint. Nearly 180 metres above it all, two workers hang in a basket applying the official America's Cup 2000 logo to the Sky Tower. Final preparations are rampant as Auckland readies for America's Cup 2000. Although racing doesn't begin until Monday, the event officially kicks off on Friday with the opening ceremonies jointly hosted by America's Cup 2000 and the America's Cup Challenge Association. Activities include a parade through downtown Auckland, welcoming speeches from various personalities and the draw that'll determine who races whom in Rounds 1 and 2.