BMW Oracle Racing began the first training session with its America's Cup Class boats in Valencia, Spain this week.

The team is working from its temporary base at the Real Club Nautico Valencia where they will train through August before heading to Marseille for Louis Vuitton Act One.

"We are looking forward to the experience and getting to know Valencia," said BMW Oracle Racing CEO and Skipper Chris Dickson. "This is a period of learning for us both on the water and on the shore. But our first impressions are positive. During our first few days of sailing, we enjoyed beautiful conditions with a strong afternoon sea breeze and warm temperatures."

The international team is using the session in Valencia to evaluate the longer term plans. For many team members, this is their first time to Valencia. The team will be in Valencia until late October following Louis Vuitton Acts Two and Three.

"We will use this time in Valencia to test our systems and identify our strengths and weaknesses as we continue to work toward closing the gap on the America's Cup Defender," Dickson said.