Royal Akarana Yacht Club sailing administrator Caroline Baker needs volunteers for tasks ranging from painting and maintaining chase boats to stuffing envelopes and helping on the water.
Akarana has a busy race programme between now and Christmas so it is a good time to get involved. Phone (09) 524 9945.
Mast
contract
British specialist boatbuilder Halmatic has won the contract to build the 90m mast for the world's biggest sloop, Mirabella V. The company will build the hollow carbon epoxy mast in two halves. Maximum cross section will be 1.5m and structural thickness of 260mm. The huge mast will have to support 2900 sqm of sail. The Ron Holland-designed yacht is being built by Vosper Thornycroft.
Canal extension
Britain has opened its first new inland navigation waterway in 100 years. The Millennium Ribble Link near Preston connects the landlocked Lancaster Canal to the rest of Britain's 3220km canal network. The next project is restoring the northern Lancaster Canal to Kendal, enabling boaters to cruise from southern England to the Lakes District.
WaterWatch
The water-watch message for this weekend is America's Cup. With the Louis Vuitton challenger series about to start, the Auckland Regional Council has issued a 16-page booklet that explains to skippers what to do and what not to do on the race courses. The colour publication lists important regatta dates and the racing schedule, explains the restrictions on the water and issues a reminder of skipper responsibility. ARC chair Gwen Bull and Team New Zealand head Tom Schnackenberg also offer advice for those planning to do their race-watching on the water. The free booklet is available from chandleries, marinas, boat clubs and some retail outlets. To have a copy posted, call the ARC Enviroline on 0800 80 60 40.
Saturday and Sunday: National keelboat championships conclude (RAYC); Wincham all classes regatta (MBSC).
* Clubs or event organisers planning activity on the Manukau or Waitemata harbours should register with Enviroline on 0800 80 60 40.
