Timelines: Awards night

Time is running out to book for the 2003 Yachting Excellence Awards, to be held at the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron on Friday, November 28. Guest speaker is Grant Dalton, and the $75 to $90 a head admission (yacht club members get the cheaper rate) includes a three-course meal and top wines. The awards are Sailor of the Year, Young Sailor of the Year, Award of Honour, Award of Merit, Cruising Award and President's Award. Book by phoning (09) 488 9325 or download the registration form from Yachtingnz.co.nz

ANOTHER FARR FIRST

This is the latest Farr design from French boatbuilder Beneteau. The First 43.7 inaugural appearance will be made at the Paris Boat Show (December 5-15), then at the London and Dusseldorf shows in January. The 43.7 is expected to build on the success of the Farr First 40.7, rated as the most successful 40-footer of its time. Feedback from the owners of the 550 First 40.7 yachts now cruising and racing has been used in creating the new model. The New Zealand agent for Beneteau, Yachtfinders-Global, will be at the Paris show.

WATER-WATCH

The National Keelboat Championships begin on Wednesday out of the Royal Akarana Yacht Club and run through to Sunday, November 9. Other activity:


Saturday: Club championships, including classics (RNZYS); Junior regatta, Eastern Beach (BBYC); Lidgard Memorial (PCC): Summer cruise (RYC); 30-mile short-handed series Weiti BC).


Saturday and Sunday: North Harbour Tanner Cup trials (Torbay SC).


Sunday: Cruising race to Oneroa (RAYC).


* Clubs and organisations planning activity on the Waitemata or Manukau Harbours should register with the Auckland Regional Council Enviroline on (09) 366 2070. The new 24-hour response number for the ARC Maritime Unit is (09) 362 0397.