Alinghi continued her preparations with a private trial against Desafío Español on Tuesday.

The Spaniards, knocked out of the Louis Vuitton Cup by New Zealand 5-2 in the semi-finals, have two clear motives to help the Defender.

First, it's a chance for the Spanish crew to hone its competitive skills the next America's Cup for which they have already confirmed their intention to compete.

Secondly, it is not in Desafío Español’s interest to see the America’s Cup head in New Zealand.

There is a fear that if Emirates Team New Zealand win, a Cup in Auckland will take not offer the same commercial opportunities that Europe.