Komutu, the world championship-winning 18-footer from the 50s and 60s goes back in the water at 2pm tomorrow at Okahu Bay. Built by Jack Logan in 1948 with Alf Lock as his apprentice, Komutu was rediscovered in 2002 and has undergone a complete restoration. Lock, along with Robin Williams andRobert Brooke, did the rebuild over three years and they will all be at Akarana for the re-launch.
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Ever wanted to see a bunch of young tradespeople and apprentices working fit to bust? That's what is happening today as 15 four-person teams from New Zealand and Australia battle to build a boat in an hour then race it. The event is the 2006 Marine Trades Challenge, the fourth to be held with ready public access. Previous challenges were fought out on Kawau Island. Points are awarded for innovative design and workmanship as well as performance on the water. The winner gets to represent New Zealand at the Sydney Boat Show. Admission is free, the action starts at 10.30am and food and refreshments are available on the site which will be clearly signposted from Upper Harbour Drive (SH20).
Water-Watch
Championship sailing across several classes is on the racing programme for this weekend. Main activity:
Today: Cruising race to Gulf Harbour (Bucklands Beach YC); single-handed race (Devonport YC); Cruising (Richmond YC); Round-Rangitoto race to Islington Bay (Classic Yacht Association); Single-handed to Waiheke (Weiti BC); King of the Harbour (Takapuna BC).
Today and tomorrow: New Zealand Womens Match-racing Championships (RNZYS); Ross 930 Nationals (Ponsonby CC); Pied Piper Championships (BBYC); Autumn Harbour Series (PCC); Rangitoto Island Weekend for launches and classic yachts (Classic YA).
Tomorrow: Auckland Laser Masters and Mistral Championships (Tamaki YC).
Organisations planning events on or in the Waitemata or Manukau harbours should register in advance with the Auckland Regional Council on (09) 366 2000. The 24-hour response number for the ARC maritime unit is (09) 362 0397.
