Solo sailor Chris Sayer is on track for a February launching of his new yacht for next year's MiniTransat. The Auckland boatbuilder's plans for a second attempt at the race across the Atlantic ended in disaster early this year when his high-tech 21-footer hit something in the water and sank
as he was sailing single-handed to Auckland from Sydney. He is completing a replacement at the Henderson yard of Vaudrey Miller Yachts. Sayer has not yet secured a naming sponsor, even though his project is attracting international interest, particularly in Europe.
Top boats
Sunseeker took the top European ranking for powerboats on the boats.com list for October. Beneteau was ranked No 1 for sailboats with Jeanneau in No 2 spot and Bavaria third. Zodiac was in second place on the power list and Azimuth third.
Training plan
Next year Florida, the American state with the highest boating accident rate, will launch a programme offering training to businesses that rent boats and personal watercraft. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission reports that 14 per cent of the 1647 vessels involved in the state's 1093 accidents last year were rented and another 11 per cent were borrowed.
Water-watch
The maritime police have issued a reminder to take care on the water as the quarter-final repechages of the Louis Vuitton Cup start. Senior-Sergeant Martin Page says his team has dealt with incidents ranging from boats finding well-charted rocks to others running aground and a variety of minor collisions. Skippers of all race-watching craft should monitor Channel 18 to keep in touch with what's happening on the course, but must switch to Channel 16 to transmit. Weekend activity includes:
Saturday: Blackpool race (DYC); Lidgard Memorial, day 2 (PCC); Tri-series Pt Chevalier (PtCSC).
Sunday: Small boat summer series, ff15s, M-Class and Solings (RAYC); M-Class series (RNZYS); Single-handed race round Motuihe (BBYC); Bailey Cup, classic yachts (DYC).
* Clubs and organisations planning events on or in the Waitemata or Manukau harbours should register with the Auckland Regional Council Enviroline on 0800 80 60 40.fuend
