The 32nd America's Cup comes home this week, returning to its host city of Valencia after nearly three months on the road.

Since the teams and event organisers packed up and left home to sail in four Louis Vuitton Acts (first in Malmö-Skåne and then in Trapani), many things have changed in the Port America's Cup.

Progress around the Port has continued over the summer, with much of the work completed on the canal which will become a direct link between the Port and the northern race area. The canal will open early next year, and be in use for the 2006 Louis Vuitton Acts in Valencia.

For most of the teams, the significant work has been done at their new homes, the team bases.

On Saturday night, the Swiss Defender, Alinghi, hosted a private ceremony to inaugurate its new base. On Sunday afternoon, the team was to host an open house to the public.

Often the worst part of any trip is the unpacking, and that's what the 12 America's Cup teams will be doing this week. All of the boats, shipping containers, tenders and equipment are due to be unloaded in Valencia early this week.

It's the final major 'unpacking' of the 32nd America's Cup, as the 2006 Louis Vuitton Acts are in Valencia, as is the 2007 competition. But for most of the teams of course, more unpacking is ahead.

New boats must be built in the country of the challenging Yacht Club, so apart from Desafío Español, the 11 other teams will each be unloading some precious cargo before April 2007.