Tidelines: Huge demand for new Rayglass

Just 14 weeks after the Rayglass Legend 2500 was released it is so much in demand the company has produced a second mould. Rayglass's managing director Tony Hembrow believes this is the first time a second mould has been needed for a boat over seven metres. He puts the success of the boat, which replaces the hugely popular Rayglass 750, down to its versatility. It can be powered by outboard or sterndrive, petrol or diesel and comes either in hard-top or cruiser-top versions.

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The export success of Invercargill company Stabi-Craft Marine was recognised at the Southland Export Awards. The company which pioneered aluminium positive buoyancy construction has built more than 150,000 boats since it began 20 years ago. It exports to Australia, throughout the Pacific and the United States.

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Sir Chay Blythe's Global Business has announced the postponement of the 2008/09 Global Challenge Round-the-world Yacht Race after it failed to secure a naming rights sponsor. Blyth said the lack of a title sponsor meant the company had been unable to commit to the refit of the yachts at stopover ports. More than 80 per cent of the crew had been signed up for what would have been the fifth edition of the race.

Water-Watch

* The Etchells Regatta will be sailed today and tomorrow out of the Gulf Harbour Yacht Club. The B J Tyres Blow-out will be the main event at Bucklands Beach Yacht Club today.

* Register events on or in the Waitemata or Manukau harbours with Auckland Regional Council on (09) 366 2000. Its maritime unit's 24 hour number is (09) 362 0397.