New Zealand won four of the seven Society of Superyachts awards at the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show which ended on November 4. The 40m (130ft) classic modern ketch Victoria of Strathearn, built by Alloy Yachts, won the Best Sailboat over 36m title and the Best Sailing Yacht Interior gong. Silvertip,
a 34m (111ft) sloop from the NZ Yachting Developments yard, took the Best Sailboat 23 to 36m award, and the 35m (115ft) motor yacht Surprise, by McMullen and Wing, was judged Best Powerboat 32 to 43m. There were 39 New Zealand marine companies exhibiting at the show, one of the most important on the United States marine industry calendar.
KORC competition
Entries close on November 22 for the KORC One Design Competition. Organised by the Keelboat Offshore Racing Committee in conjunction with Yachting New Zealand, the competition's aim is to find the ideal one design yacht for local and offshore racing. KORC chairman Brett Neill says 14 expressions of interest have been received so far, five from international designers. The winner of the contest, which is sponsored by Safety at Sea, will be announced on January 28 next year.
Cup archive
The America's Cup Challenger of Record Management organisation is moving to create an archive to acquire, preserve and disseminate media material. The challengers have establish a charitable trust called The Cup Heritage Foundation in a bid to improve the way historical footage is held and disseminated. The aim is to make it easier to access cup material.
Water-watch
The accent is on cruising for clubs with Akarana heading to North Harbour, Ponui, for the second in the Black Heart series that concentrates on family activity.
Saturday: Two-handed race (BBYC); Cruising race (RNZYS); Cruise to Ponui, 10am start (RAYC); Volvo Round-Rangitoto race (PCC); Head-of-the Harbour race (DYC).
Saturday and Sunday: Sports boat regatta (RAYC).
* 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.
