Jimmy Spithill is tipping New Zealand to win the inaugural Sail GP in Lyttelton Harbour this weekend, and heap more pressure on championship leaders Australia.
Peter Burling and Blair Tuke's team trail their trans-Tasman rivals by 12 points heading into the penultimate leg of the circuit.
But two-time America's Cup winner and USA captain Spithill is picking the Kiwis to upset his countrymen in Christchurch.
"Those guys are looking pretty strong," he told The Project. "Right now, they're the benchmark team, I believe, in this circuit.
"I believe being at home as well, they're the favourites without a doubt going into this event.
"But having said that, as it has shown on this circuit, a number of teams can get the job done, it's so close out there.
"We're all in the same equipment here, that's what is great about SailGP, is everyone is in the same gear and the data is completely open."
Watch the video above for The Project's full interview with Jimmy Spithill and join Newshub at 3:30pm Saturday and Sunday for live updates of NZ Sail GP.
