UPDATED: Tauranga Yacht and Power Boat Club is buzzing after Emirates Team New Zealand won their first race against Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli in the 36th America's cup.

Club commodore Delwyn Keyworth says it's always great to get the first one.

'It's good to see them up and racing but you can't rest on your laurels- there's still a long way to go.”

She says Team New Zealand skipper Peter Burling brought the cup down last time for them to see.

The yacht club will celebrate their centennial at Easter.

EARLIER: Around 150 people are at the Tauranga Yacht and Power Boat Club for the viewing of the first race for the 36th America's Cup.

Defenders Team New Zealand will be going up against challengers Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli with the race kicking off at 4:12pm in Aucklands Hauraki Gulf.

Gary Smith- member of yacht club for 48 years says, 'Pressures on. Today the talk stops and the work starts”.

'They're both spectacular boats and we'll find out who's faster.”

General committee member Bob Smyth, who raced against helmsman Peter Burling when he was growing up, had no comment other than ‘Go Team New Zealand'.

The teams are contesting a best-of-13 series, after the start was delayed due to Auckland's lockdown last week.

Wind on the course is 13 knots, it's estimated get to 16 knots by second race.

More to come...