And like many thousands of New Zealanders, Irina Boraman's heart is racing at the thought.
She should be studying for her third-year law exams, but is just too excited.
Having never previously been interested in watching sailing, the 21-year-old is on board the Team New Zealand fan wagon - and she is sure that today the wild Kiwi flying machine Aotearoa, skippered by Dean Barker, will seal victory.
Miss Boraman was at the university cafeteria watching as Team New Zealand won the first of two scheduled races yesterday, taking an 8-1 lead in the first-to-nine finals series. The second race was called off and racing postponed for the day because of high winds in San Francisco Bay.
''I've realised how exciting it is and I am really enjoying this moment.''
Her father Ted Boraman, a self-employed fisherman in Oamaru, introduced her to the sport this month.
''It is so addictive, especially when it is so close and it can go either way.''
Miss Boraman hopes that after this morning - the first race today is scheduled for 8.15am New Zealand time - she might be able to get back to the books ahead of her looming exams.
''I think so. I think we've got this one.''
