Winds around the 20 to 25 knot mark, and a bit of sunshine – the forecast is looking just about ideal for this weekend's Tauranga Windsurfers Carbon Art 2018 Harbour Jam.

The spectacular annual windsurfing event, which has been a fixture on Tauranga Harbour for over 10 years, has a competitive edge but puts the emphasis firmly on fun, says the group's secretary Darren Nicholas.

'It's a fun-first event,” he says.

'We have a team relay, where all the guys are divided into random teams, across the harbour and back. We've also got a harbour blast, a fastest gybe competition.

'We incorporate some downwind slalom racing and figure-8 slalom racing for the various classes of windsurfers.

'It's not just about competition at all, there's events for everyone.

'It's more about participation and getting everybody involved.”

Three classes of windsurfers are catered for, from beginners to experienced pros.

'Gold fleet guys which are the pros amongst us, the silver fleet which are not quite so adept and then the bronze fleet who are the first time racers.

'It's all short board sailing, it's not course racing, it's all about speed. So we use specific gear that's built for speed, that's pretty light and agile.”

Around 50 sailors are expected for the Harbour Jam, mainly from out of town, says Darren. He's expecting about 10 locals to be there, and the rest will be coming from Taranaki, Waikato, Rotorua, Taupo, and as far afield as Wellington and Northland.

'Tauranga's a cool destination to come and for a lot of them it's their one trip to Tauranga for the year. They don't get a chance to come any other time and partake in what's going on here.”

While the weekend is geared towards a fun, friendly experience for the sailors at all levels, there is a competitive side to it at the top end, Darren says. The Gold Fleet sailors, who are all nationally ranked, should be providing some spectacular action for spectators onshore.

The event will be based at Kulim Park on Saturday, but may move to Fergusson Park for Sunday's sailing depending on wind conditions.

Details on entry and scheduling for the Harbour Jam can be found on Tauranga Windsurfers' Facebook page.