Sailors racing in this year's Coastal Classic are expecting less than ideal winds

Northerlies have been forecast for the yacht race between Auckland and Russell -- a distance of 119 nautical miles.

Around 80 boats will be racing this year, down from 147 last year -- with the America's Cup and other economic conditions having an impact.

Spokesperson Zoe Hawkins says the northerlies will be hard work for the 9:30 start.

She says the sea will be reasonably lumpy -- causing the race to take longer than it might be if southerlies were on the cards.