It's all on for Chris Sayer. The support he has received and the promises of further assistance have given him the confidence to build a new 6.5m (21ft) yacht to contest next year's single-handed race across the Atlantic. Sayer had a second campaign on track to win the Mini Transat
when he lost his boat off the coast of New Zealand last month after hitting a submerged object while sailing solo from Sydney to Auckland. It looked like the end of an eight-year dream, but supporters launched an appeal supported by the New Zealand Herald - to raise $250,000 to build a new yacht. The response was overwhelming and Sayer plans to start building the yacht towards the end of June. The full story of his rescue is told in the July issue of Boating New Zealand.
Dream job
The Auckland Water Ski Club is looking for a manager. The job description seems the answer to every experienced young water-ski devotee's dream. It's a full-time job with some after-hours and weekend work. The appointee gets to drive the ski-boat, do some coaching and do some boat maintenance. The off-the-water downside is responsibility for course, grounds and clubrooms maintenance. Interested? Call (09) 529 9435.
Propeller money
Elmet SL, the Spanish manufacturer of boat accessories, is recycling the now-useless European copper coins into propellers. At copper's present trading price of US$1700 a tonne ($3482), the company says there is money to be made in giving the coins a new life in the water.
WaterWatch
Winter racing continues on the Waitemata and Manukau harbours this weekend:
Saturday: Women's winter series (PCC); Fully crewed winter series (RYC).
Sunday: Canterbury fully crewed series, Race 4 (RAYC); Helly Hansen winter series (PCC); Winter series (MYMBC); Race 5, winter series, 10.00 start (GHYC).
* 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.
