European and American boating industry suppliers of polyester resin and gelcoat are lifting their prices because of the rising cost of crude oil. A supply company spokesman says uncertainty over global oil supplies arising from the threat of war in Iraq and the strike in Venezuela meant further increases were
likely worldwide for styrene, the key component in polyester resins.
Oleanda away
The 40m 300-tonne Oleanda, former flagship of the Blue Lagoon cruise operation in Tonga, is off to the Marshall Islands. After plying the Hauraki Gulf as a Louis Vuitton and America's Cup spectator platform, the ship has been sold to an island people's co-operative to begin a new life in the unspoilt waters of Rongelap Atoll. Virtually closed to all recreational activity since the American A-bomb tests at Bikini following World War II, the Rongelap area is home to a huge variety of marine life, including giant 2.3m clams. The present crew from Sunsail Charters will deliver the ship and train locals to take over. Details on Rongelap website.
Water-watch
A social occasion with a difference is one of the bigger events on and off the water today. It's the interclub Drunks Bay Ball race to Islington Bay, postponed from February 22. Cruising yachts race from their clubs to Rangitoto, where there is a barbecue, disco and dancing. Most boats race home on Sunday. Other activity:
Saturday: Drunks Bay Ball (DYC, PCC, RAYC, RYC, Weiti BC, Waiheke BC); Lindauer cruising Race 4 and Printing Express mullet boat series, Race 5 (PCC).
Saturday and Sunday: Single-handed weekend to Kawau (BBYC); Mistral, 49er and Tornado nationals continue (GHYC); Auckland championships, Optimist, P-Class and Starlings, Eastern Beach (HSC).
Sunday: Centennial sail past, including classic yachts (RYC); French Bay regatta, including tri-series (FBYC); Small-boat summer series, ff15s, M-Class, Solings (RAYC); Women's race (RYC).
* Clubs and organisations planning events on the Waitemata or Manukau harbours should register with the Auckland Council Enviroline, ph 09 366 2070.
