Tidelines: Kudos for Sayer

With a third placing in this year's MiniTransat behind him, Aucklander Chris Sayer is looking ahead to an Open 50 or 60 campaign in the 2005 Around Alone blue water classic. An unofficial entry after being ruled out of the starting line-up by the Classe Mini race officials, he finished just 14 hours from first place and 1 1/4 hours from second. His effort has gained him huge kudos in the world of single-handed sailing. The readers of the influential Sea Horse magazine have named him Sailor of the Month for his sportsmanship as well as his sailing ability. Sayer has organised a job in Brazil to help make ends meet while the yacht is being shipped back to Europe.
Email chrissayer@xtra.co.nz

B&G sells

Norwegian marine electronics manufacturer Simrad has bought British company Brookes and Gatehouse. Simrad president Jan Berner says the buyout will enable his company to expand interests in the sailing market. He envisages little change in the B&G operation, which will continue to run as a separate company.

Viaduct show

A prospectus is available for next year's IMTEC on-the-Water Boat Show at the Viaduct Harbour. The combined Marine Industry Association-IMTEC exhibition will run from March 10 to 14. The prospectus is available from the MIA and exhibitor details can be checked on www.nzmarine.com

Water-Watch

Lots of cruising action afloat on the Waitemata for the next three days as sailing types make the most of the Labour Weekend holiday. Activity includes:

Saturday: Cruising, race 1 (PCC); Cruising race (GHYC); Cruising weekend to Rocky Bay (NE) or (SW) Man of War Bay (Westhaven YC); Cruise to Kawau Island (Devonport YC and Weiti BC).

Saturday to Monday: Olympic classes regatta (Takapuna BC); Cruising weekend (BBYC); Cruising weekend (Waitemata TYS).

* Clubs and organisations planning activity on the Waitemata or Manukau Harbours should register with the Auckland regional Council Enviroline on (09) 366 2070. The 24-hour response number for the ARC Maritime Unit is (09) 362 0397.