Organisers of the Hobie and Tornado class regatta on Tauranga harbour over the weekend are hoping for two days sailing out of three.

The cat regatta, which incorporates includes the Hobie and Tornado nationals, began today.

Racing near Sulphur Point today.

Organisers expect to cancel Saturday's racing because of the high winds forecast, and resume on Sunday says centre board spokesman Andy Knowles.

'The boats get unmanageable over about 27 knots,” says Andy.

He says some consider the light catamarans dangerous in winds over 23 knots and they are expecting winds up to 50 knots in the morning.

There are five Tauranga tornadoes, up from one last year and a total of eight in the field.

There are a few Tauranga Hobie Cats, and a strong Auckland contingent competing.