The blockbuster weekend was born out of the post-Sydney-2000 excitement of Australian sailing's double gold in the 470 class.

In 2001 the Port Dalrymple Yacht Club enticed past junior member and new Olympic gold medallist Mark Turnbull to return to Beauty Point, at the start of his new Olympic campaign in the 49er class with Nick Partridge.

The weekend has grown to be one of Tasmania's must-do dinghy regattas and attracts entrants from all corners of the state and the mainland, notably the strong Victoria B14 fleet.

The Victorian connection started in 2004 when a group of McCrae Yacht Club B14 skiff sailors ventured across to check out the venue for the Australian B14 championships. The contingent are some of the blockbuster's strongest supporters with about half a dozen B14s making the trip each year.

The racing format is four 15-20 minute races each day, sailed back-to-back, with separate class starts, the first heat starting at 1pm today and tomorrow's racing starting at noon.

Invited and confirmed classes for the weekend are: B14 including reigning world champion Guy Bancroft, NS14 in which PDYC will host the 2012-13 nationals, laser, sabre and formula windsurfer.

Regular PDYC club classes of sabots, optimists and district dinghies will race each day off the club start line.

REGATTA FAST FACTS

WHAT: Tamar Marine blockbuster weekend regatta.

WHERE: Port Dalrymple Bay at Beauty Point.

WHEN: Today and tomorrow.