More than 80 Optimist and O'pen Skiff sailors will be competing over three days in September at the Tauranga Yacht & Power Boat Club .

Tauranga is about to be invaded with more than 10,000 years 7 and 8 children descending on the city for the upcoming Zespri AIMS Games.

It's the first time the event is being held in three years after the last two were cancelled due to Covid-19.

The AIMS Games, being held from from September 4 - 6, is a rare chance for sailors to compete for their school and, as well as individuals honours, the AIMS Cup is awarded to the top school.

'The Tauranga Yacht & Power Boat Club are excited to be able to host the AIMS Games again this year," says Tauranga spokesperson Lynne Whitaker.

"It's great to see so many entries and reinforces how much the kids love this regatta. It's unique in that sailors compete for their schools rather than their clubs.”

The AIMS Games (Association of Intermediate and Middle Schools) has grown from four sports in 2004 and this year will attract close to 11,000 participants from 323 schools competing in 23 sports.

The 2019 tournament drew more than 25,000 athletes, supporters and officials to Tauranga, injecting nearly $6.5 million into regional coffers.

Sailing in Tauranga in September can be challenging and cold and a range of conditions are forecast for the three days of racing.

You can follow the action on the AIMS Games website or Facebook page.