America's Cup diary

GBR Challenge's Andy Beadsworth reveals all

The most noticeable and important difference is that the team has grown stronger and tighter since our move to Auckland. We all train together in the gym but more importantly indulge in other team games such as rugby, football and basketball which has gone a long way to help improve our team atmosphere and break down any barriers.

Having to live, sail and socialise together helps us all to get to know and learn more about each other and therefore work well together and trust each other. In reality it is hard to socialise outside the team in such a rigorous environment where we do not have that much time of our own, so we come to rely on each other for support.

Life has been very different in the world of GBR Challenge since we arrived in Auckland. We are all now resident at a hotel, which is a new situation for most of us, even those that live away from home most of the time. This is now home and, judging by the amount of personal baggage we unloaded from the containers, I think everyone has tried to make it just that. We are likely to spend the best part of 18 months is these rooms which are smart and very pleasant but, especially for those with families, quite small and restricted.

I personally share a well equipped apartment on the top floor with my now wife, Melissa. We have full cooking facilities, a small living area and separate bedroom with en-suite. Those with families have a little more space but the kitchen facilities are limited which means I occasionally come home to find something yummy in our oven only to be told, "Its Jo's dinner from downstairs. You're on a diet. Remember?!"

For the wives and girlfriends it has been a big change. Those with babies are enjoying a great support network with others in the team in the same position right on their doorstep. They can share baby sitters, organise toddler activities at the pool or just have coffee and a catch up. For those with no children who may have given up jobs at home to travel to New Zealand, it is not always so easy.

But although many of the girls are finding it hard to find good work beyond temping jobs, they are making the most of the opportunities to play tennis, go mountain biking, or even venture as far as learning to windsurf or go canyoning. Some, including Melissa, are also looking into some educational opportunities such as learning a language.

Time is passing by very quickly - Christmas is nearly here and we have so much to achieve. Lost days through bad weather have been frustrating but we make every effort to be as efficient as we can with our time to ensure we achieve as much as we can.

We are looking forward to our next opportunity to compete against some of the other challenges in the 'International America's Cup' Regatta. Rumour has it that there could be fifteen 2000 generation boats participating in the Jubilee style event which should prove very exciting.