Team Vodafone's hopes of taking the record for the Auckland to Tauranga yacht race could be dashed by a lack of wind.

The 13 yachts that started near the Auckland Harbour Bridge this morning are struggling into light headwinds as they make their way to Tauranga Yacht and Powerboat Club.

Team Vodafone's 60ft trimaran is aiming to beat a the record 9 hours, 35 minutes one second, set by 30metre supermaxi Zana in 2004. To beat it Vodaphone needs to maintain an average speed of 13.5knots throughout the 120nm course.

In the right conditions Team Vodaphone could arrive in Tauranga this afternoon, but that is unlikely to happen this year.

A report from Auckland has the fleet with spinnakers up and drooping from a lack of wind, but the boats are going in the right direction on an outgoing tide.

The annual race was cancelled last year due to the risk to boats sailing through the Rena's debris field after strong winds and high seas hammered the wreck sending about 10 containers into the ocean in the days before the race.

Vodafone skipper Simon Hull says the International Paints Auckland to Tauranga race can be tricky and challenging.

From the start line outside the Westhaven Marina, the fleet will struggle through light airs to round the northern tip of the Coromandel Peninsula before turning for the reach to Tauranga.

Race Chairman Ray Findlay says people are able to track race progress through a new Predict Wind tracking app.

'This means that family and friends will be able to follow race progress through the TYPBC website at www.yacht.org and cheer their favourites on to victory.

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'Every boat will be able to download the app, sign on, and through the TYPBC website anyone will be able to watch your progress.”

Tauranga Yacht and Power Boat Club is hoping for a quick race and will welcome all competitors with a traditional welcome bucket and escort to their berth.

The clubhouse will be open for hot showers and refreshments, and meals from midday Friday, followed by plenty of dancing at the Friday night prizegiving and party.

The event is sponsored by International Paints, Bridge Marina Travelift, Steve's Marine, Safety at Sea,Gourmet Foods, David Peet Jewellers, Battery Warehouse, Sheaff Automotive, Northern Region Coastguard, Fuel Advertising and STO.