Five teams took to the Rade Sud, the waters off the French port of Marseille yesterday, four days ahead of the opening race of the Marseille Louis Vuitton Act. Leading the charge was Team Shosholoza, the first African team to challenge for the America’s Cup.

The South African challenger was making its maiden voyage in Europe, its first sail in an America’s Cup environment. Sailing the colourful RSA 48, Shosholoza crossed tacks with BMW Oracle Racing, the American team and Challenger of Record for the 32nd America’s Cup, also sailing for the first time in Marseille.

Emirates Team New Zealand and Team Alinghi testing close alongside for the second day, and the French K-Challenge, made up the rest of the fleet. LE Defi, is the only boat yet to sail in Marseille, the French team completing its measurement duties on Wednesday. It is expected to take to the water on Thursday.

The America’s Cup Race Committee was also on the Rade Sud, setting marks, running start sequences, and getting its practice in ahead of Sunday’s first race.

The teams are expected to continue testing and training on Thursday, and there will be a practice race on Friday afternoon.

The Marseille Louis Vuitton Act opens on Saturday at 1100 with a fleet parade into the Vieux Port of Marseille. The first race of the Marseille Louis Vuitton Cup is scheduled to start at 1240, on Sunday, 5 September.