A 12m sporty cruiser from the Auckland Bakewell-White design team won the New Zealand One Design keelboat competition. Launched by Yachting New Zealand last July, the aim of the contest was to find a state-of-the-art racing yacht that also allowed for basic family cruising as well as offshore cruising, with
a sail-away price in the region of $400,000. The team of seven judges ruled that the Bakewell-White design best met the competition brief. YNZ chief executive Simon Wickham hopes the result of the design competition will be a new class of racing yachts complementing our ageing fleet.
Powerboat series:
Mangere Bridge is again the venue for the Manukau-Auckland Speedboat Club's class series championships. Some of New Zealand's fastest boats will be in action with top speeds reaching in excess of 240km/h. Grand Prix hydroplanes, modified hydroplanes, grand national hydroplanes and Formula 3 tunnels will be among the boats competing. Racing starts at 10.30am, admission is free and refreshments are available. Access to the viewing area is via Waterfront Road Reserve (old Mangere Bridge).
Water-watch:
The Oyster Rally featuring a fleet of visiting fast cruising yachts from around the world continues this weekend. As well, the M-Class and replica flying 18s from Sydney are reaching the final stanzas of the interdominion clash that began on Anniversary Day. Main activity:
Saturday: Oyster fleet races around Kawau Island (RNZYS); M-Class 80th anniversary series, Mark Foy race to commemorate the foundation of the Auckland Sailing Club (RAYC); J. MacKay memorial race to Okura River (PCC); post-Christmas regatta (BBYC); Singlehanded race to Kawau (WeitiBC); Carson Challenge (NZMYC); Finn and Europe Asia Pacific championships start (MBSC); Tri-series, French Bay (FBBC).
Sunday: Return races from Kawau (RNZYS and RYC); Oyster fleet cruises back to Auckland for prize-giving at RNZYS; Spare race day if needed for M-Class anniversary series, otherwise a swap crews social race (RAYC).
* Clubs and organisations planning events on or in the Waitemata or Manukau harbours should register with the Auckland Regional Council Enviroline on 09 366 2070.
