Auckland-based Southern Spars has made three key appointments to further develop manufacturing and service to its New Zealand and international clients. Michael Baillie, who has a background in management and operations with Ford Motor Company, U-Bix and Rayglass, is the new manufacturing manager. New Zealand rigging manager is Steve Cotton,
who has three Volvo Ocean Races on his CV as well as three America's Cup campaigns. Responsible for the company's international rig-servicing business will be Ilan Graetz. After studying naval architecture at the University of Southampton, he worked as project manager on the construction of both yachts and powerboats. Although based in Auckland, he will spend a lot of time in Europe at the recently commissioned Southern Spars service yard at La Ciotat, in southern France.
Classic changes:
New regulations allow changes at the extremes of yachting for the 2003 Lindauer Coastal Classic on October 24. At the grand prix end, canting keels and water ballast will be allowed. At the bottom end, boats as small as 6.5m may compete, which means Farr 727s and Pied Pipers can take part. The previous limit was 7.4m. More than 300 yachts are expected to start.
Water watch:
A range of winter racing continues on the Waitemata this weekend, including the final of the Richmond Yacht Club's short-handed series.
Saturday: Winter series (RNZYS).
Sunday: Two-handed and ff15s (RAYC); winter short-handed series, final (RYC); winter series (BBYC).
* Clubs or organisations planning activity on the Waitemata or Manukau Harbours should register with the Auckland Regional Council Enviroline on (09) 366 2070.
