An upper harbour covered in catamarans is looking likely this weekend as the third ‘Matakana Raid' takes place.

The entrees are expected to be about the same number as last year's, says spokesman Lance Putan.

Catamarans in the 2010 raid.

The first raid had eight participating boats, the second 19 with two support boats.

This year he'll be happy with 25.

Previous raids took place in March, but this year they swapped dates with the Kawau Island raid.

The wife of one of the Aucklanders taking part is an important shore crew member and she's broken her arm, says Lance.

'It's one of the people that we stay with in Auckland,” says Lance.

'We swapped them around, it's all working out well.

The out-of-town boats from Auckland, Taupo and possibly Wellington, are expected to arrive tonight maybe in time for the rum race in front of the Tauranga Yacht Club.

On Saturday, the boats, mostly trailerable three to five metre catamarans, are expected to be on the water by 9am when the decision will be made about the course – whether to sail up the harbour or outside Matakana Island to Athenree.

The same call will be made on Sunday before the return from Athenree Hot Springs and Holiday Park.

'Athenree, at the top of the harbour, is only accessible to a multi-hull sailing fleet and not keel boats, so it is pretty special to be able to go there,” says Lance.

'It's a fabulous destination with accommodation at the holiday park and the bonus of the hot pools to relax in, after a hard days sailing.”

The course up the harbour involves a lunch stop at Omokoroa, with an arrival at Athenree about 3pm depending on the breeze.

The 2012 Matakana Raid is as a family event, where families and children are welcome to join in or they could meet at the Athenree Hot Springs and Holiday Park for the barbecue dinner.