After four months and 1500 hours' hard labour, solo sailor Chris Sayer has the deck bonded to the hull of his new boat, above, for next year's mini transatlantic race. Now it's a matter of sorting out the deck systems and the high-tech composite 21-footer will be ready to take
to the water in February.
Team champs
For a week from Friday, January 31, the team racing world championships will be sailed in Auckland. Fifteen teams from nine nations are expected to take part, sailing two-person 420 yachts. The series will be sailed on a spectator-friendly course outside the Viaduct Basin from the Hilton Hotel on Princes Wharf down to the Tank Farm. Races will last only seven or eight minutes and because the yachts lack spinnakers or trapezes it's all about tactics. A grandstand is being built aboard the steam crane Rapaki at the National Maritime Museum to give spectators a great viewing platform.
Safe summer
The WaterSafe Auckland Safe Summer team will be at Muriwai Beach today and at the Waitakere pool tomorrow. Supported by MAI FM personalities, the campaign includes competitions and giveaways both days between 10am and noon.
WaterWatch
There's nothing listed on the official calendar for this weekend, but the Louis Vuitton repechage sail-off will provide action at the top of the sailing ladder. The Police Maritime Unit message for spectator boats of all sizes is the same: Observe the race officials' instructions; monitor Channel 18; and follow the cup watchers' guidelines in the free ARC Cup guidebook.
* 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.
