Yachties are looking forward to a possible demolition of the Auckland-Tauranga race record when it gets underway at 10am on Thursday morning.
Entered in the race is the former Orma racing trimaran, G3, designed in France for ocean racing by the designers of Larry Ellison's America's Cup winning BMW Oracle.

G3 flying her hulls.

The current Auckland Tauranga race record is nine hours 35 minutes. The multihull record is nine hours 55 minutes and is held currently by Sundreamer.
Given the right conditions, G3 is expected to halve this, since the 20 metre trimaran is capable of 40 knots.
"Even at half this speed G3 could complete the 120 nautical mile Auckland to Tauranga course in six hours and given the right conditions could complete in less," says race organising committee chairman Ross Sheerin.
"This is the same breed of yacht that recently took out the latest America's Cup contest. This yacht is spectacular as it races, even tied up to the wharf it looks fast."
The race starts at the Royal NZ Yacht Squadron at 10am and finishes at 'A' Beacon off Mount Maunganui.
After finishing, G3 is expected to tie up alongside the Forest Lady's ramp jetty - close to the yacht club where the public can have a look at her, until Saturday, when she's expected to set out on the return to Auckland.
"The public are most welcome to come to the club to view G3 and to follow the progress of the race fleet," says Ross.