Former Team NZ skipper Dean Barker is back in Auckland for the first time in five years and even he admits it's weird.
Does it still feel like home?
"Ahhh, it's an interesting question."
Barker's recently out of quarantine, after returning to oversee the set-up of American Magic's team base and he's expecting a mixed reaction from Kiwis.
"I'm sure everyone will have their opinion, but obviously I'm proud to be doing what I'm doing."
American Magic are the first of the challengers to arrive in Auckland.
Their boat 'Defiant' has been tearing it up off the coast of Florida and - weather dependent - will be out on the Waitemata on Monday.
"The intrigue when the boats first line up, because no-one will truly know which boat maybe has an advantage over the others," says Barker.
On the same stretch of water, Barker experienced his greatest success, making a name for himself as part of Team NZ's successful defence of the 'Auld Mug' in 2000.
But his lows have been just as dramatic and he was axed after the heartbreaking loss to Oracle off San Francisco in 2013.
That wealth of experience has landed him the job with the Americans.
"There was really only one person we were going to hire to steer the boat and it was him," says American Magic skipper and executive director Terry Hutchinson, who has a warning.
"He's due, which is a big factor. There's an X factor there of being due, which I think is important."
Barker, who raced for Japan four years ago at Bermuda, acknowledges this could be his last Cup and relishes sailing the AC75, which he says will provide dramatic racing.
But they are also the reason why only three challengers have confirmed.
"I don't think it will be a dud event," he says. "The decision to go to these boats is probably why we don't have more teams - they're incredibly expensive."
Barker is diplomatic when it comes to his old team, who are just across Auckland's viaduct, but knows that won't last..
"I'm sure there will be plenty of mind games as racing gets closer."
The North Shore boy is back and he knows how to play the game.
