On-board were Tauranga-based three-piece B-Side Band, made up of Paul Parkhouse (sax, harmonica and vocals), Simon Elton (vocals, guitar), and Carl Winter on drums. They played a lively and intriguing mix of jazz, rhythm & blues and country.
'The band has been so generous as they have played the whole time we have been onboard," said Ms Clothier.
Mrs Gibbs said she and her husband, Peter, one of the event's managers at Baycourt Community and Arts Centre, had attended the festival every year since they moved to Tauranga six years ago and wouldn't miss it for the world.
"There was so much to choose from the festival programme and the jazzboat is such a nice way to kick off our weekend, said Mrs Gibbs.
Hamilton couple Susan and John Law agreed.
"This is our first time on the jazzboat and it's lovely being out on the water as we are usually sitting in a bar or cafe down on The Strand listening to the music ... Music on the water is (a much) nicer way to start our festival experience than on land," said Mrs Law.
Auckland couple Sallie and Trevor Savory made it to their sailing of the jazzboat with only six minutes to spare. It took them an hour-and-a-half to get out of Auckland due to Easter traffic gridlock.
Mrs Savory, who used to used to live in Tauranga in her 20s, said their mad dash to Tauranga to catch the sailing had been well worth it.
"It is not only our first trip on the jazzboat but it's my first trip sailing on the harbour and it's a lovely way to spend the afternoon while taking in the sights."
Last year 30,000 people attended the jazz festival, and organisers say this year's 50th anniversary event could attract even larger crowds.
The Downtown Tauranga Carnival and Jazz Village are particularly popular with locals and the Birthday Bash tomorrow night will feature Earth, Wind & Fire, Keb Mo and Patti Austin.
