Tidelines: F18-class cat launch looking positive

Next Saturday sees the launch of the Formula 18 catamaran in New Zealand. Chris Green and his team have put together a short clip of some F18 action and one of the fast cats will be in the water. Green says interest has been huge since the F18 was featured in Weekend Marine this month and he has organised some introductory deals from the three major manufacturers. Royal Akarana Yacht Club is hosting the launch, which starts at 3pm.

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Military-derived products win awards

Originally developed for US Navy SEAL boats, Skydex Sea Shocks won the innovative safety product category award at the Marine After Market Accessories Trade Show in Las Vegas. Sea Shocks uses high performance cushioning to reduce by up to 75 per cent the impact experienced in rough seas. Another military-derived product recognised was a collision avoidance sonar system that identifies floating and semi-submerged objects up to 1000m ahead of the boat.

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Southern teams line up for Volvo Race

Australian and Brazilian teams have announced entries for next year's Volvo Ocean race. Grant Wharington, who races the Australian maxi Skandia, heads Premier Challenge, which has appointed Don Jones as chief designer. Construction of the yacht is due to start in October. Olympic and America's Cup sailor Torben Grael leads the Brazil 1 challenge. Wharington sailed the Southern Ocean leg aboard djuice in 2001-02 and Grael sailed with Norwegian Knut Frostad on Innovation Kvaerner in 1997-98.


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Water-watch

The winter racing programme continues this weekend. Activity includes:

Saturday: MRX winter match-racing series (RNZYS); women's winter series (Ponsonby CC).

Sunday: Fully crewed series continues (RAYC); Gill winter series (Ponsonby CC).


* Clubs and organisations planning events in or on the Waitemata or Manukau harbours should register with the Auckland Regional Council Customer Service Centre on (09) 366 2000. The 24-hour response number for the ARC maritime unit is (09) 362 0397.

Editorial inquiries to Robin Bailey (09) 524 4572; email rbailey@ihug.co.nz