Perfect conditions are forecast for the first race of the America's Cup 2003

Weather Forecast for the Hauraki Gulf for Saturday 15th February at 1300

General Synopsis: High-pressure (1019 mb) positioned in the central Tasman Sea is slowly moving east. Shallow low-pressure system (1007 mb) overhead the Chatham Islands is filling with an associated cold front clearing through the Auckland area early Saturday morning, bringing a cool south westerly air stream.

Winds: SSW 10 – 15 with gusts to 21 knots on the leading edge of cloud cells. The wind will moderate later in the day to 10 knots.

Scattered clouds with isolated showers throughout the day. Air temperatures 19 – 21C. Seas slight to moderate.

Outlook for Sunday: The Tasman Sea high-pressure will move across the North Island bringing fine weather and light winds with sea breezes later in the afternoon.

Forecast prepared by Mike Broughton