08.02.2010 CET

BMW ORACLE Racing heads out for race one.

The BMW ORACLE Racing team slipped its mooring at the boatyard base in Valencia in the dark this morning and headed to sea ahead of the first race of the 33rd America's Cup Match.

The team had a rousing send-off as friends and family gathered in the early morning to cheer on the team.

"We're very excited," said team CEO Russell Coutts as he surveyed the scene. "It's been a long time coming and we're ready to go racing."

"We've done all we can. Now it's time to get out there and put it together," was the assessment from skipper James Spithill.

The weather forecast is for generally light winds in the 5 to 8 knot range. The wind is forecast to be slightly stronger and more stable later in the morning.

"It could be a little tricky to set up the race course. It looks a little shifty today," Spithill said. "We've got trust in Harold (Principal Race Officer Harold Bennett) and I'm sure he'll wait for the right conditions so we get a fair race track."

The crew list for BMW ORACLE Racing for Race One:

Brad Webb (NZL) - Bowman
Simone de Mari (ITA) - Pitman
Ross Halcrow (NZL) - Jib Trimmer
Dirk de Ridder (NED) - Wing Sail Trimmer
Joey Newton (AUS) - Wing Sail Caddy
John Kostecki (USA) - Tactician
James Spithill (AUS) - Skipper/Helmsman
Matteo Plazzi (ITA) - Navigator
Thierry Fouchier (FRA) - Aft Pit
Matthew Mason (NZL) - Mast