Tauranga yacht Squealer is the smallest boat starting in the Auckland to Musket Cove yacht race beginning at noon in Auckland today.

Despite its size, part owner Brian Kent and the yacht's crew say they can still take the race on handicap.

Tauranga yacht Squealer.

'It's going to be a race against the clock, it's just a case of pressing hard and seeing where we end up on the Fiji side of things,” says Brian.

'The bigger boats go faster, we are aiming at a handicap win if we can get it.”

While the race is expected to begin in light airs, a storm forecast to cross the path of the race fleet Monday night/Tuesday will present challenges.

'It's going to be a bit of a tricky one. There are certainly going to be plenty of challenges from the weather and navigational side of things,” says Brian.

'At this stage there's not really a clear path in terms of which way is going to be the fastest way to get there. We are going to have to work our way round that one Monday night/ Tuesday sometime. Once we get on the other side of that we should be sweet.”

All seven of the boat's owners, all long-time sailors, will be on board during the race.

'We've got some great sponsorship from ASB Bank and NZ Windows and Link Up Paints have all supported our efforts. It's taken a couple of years to get the boost to the starting line and they have all helped us.”

Racing division starts on at 12pm off the Squadron. Viewers are welcome to watch the start between the Westhaven Tower and the ODM, and wish the boats well.