The 2002-2003 Around Alone race, which starts and finishes at Newport, Rhode Island, will include an extra stopover in Britain. The yachts will race to a port on the English south coast, then to Cape Town, New Zealand, Brazil and back to Newport. The 28,800km yacht race, which was first
sailed out of Newport in 1982 and has been held every four years since, was bought by Sir Robin Knox-Johnston's marine events company Clipper Ventures last year. Graham Dalton is this country's only announced competitor for the race.
More four-strokes
Bombardier is adding a range of four-stroke models to its 6hp to 70hp Johnson outboards. The decision enables Johnson to meet stricter environmental regulations that will be mandatory in the United States from 2006.
Party time
The Island Cruising Association Christmas dinner is at the Richmond Yacht Club next Friday (November 23). Start time is 6.30 pm for dinner at 8 pm. The Victoria Cruising Club's Christmas party is the next night, with the Side Effects showband and guest artists. Contact: ph (09) 376 4494.
Racing break
Quoting escalating costs as the reason, Yamaha Watercraft Group in the US says it is withdrawing from national-level watercraft racing. Race team manager Steve Lawler says Yamaha is not in a position to front the cost of racing other than at a regional level.
Water-Watch
The Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron's three-day national PHRF championships continue this weekend. Other activities:
Saturday: Junior regatta, Optimist, P-Class and Starling and 29er (Howick); Cruising races (RNZYS, BBYC, RYC and PCC); Rally (MCC and VCC); Volvo round-Rangitoto race (PCC).
Sunday: Master swimmers, Herne Bay to Curran St, 9.45 am start; Classic yacht race (RAYC); M-Class and ff15s (RAYC); Race home from North harbour (PYBC).
* Clubs and organisations planning activity on or in the Waitemata and Manukau harbours should register with the Auckland Regional Council Enviroline on 0800 80 60 40.fuend
