Tidelines: Big series planned for small keelers

After an enthusiastic start in May 2002, the Up to 26 small keelboat class organised by Bob Nevill and Dean Jolley is gearing up for an even bigger winter series from May 8. Still sailing out of the Richmond Yacht Club, racing will start with a short-handed series. Nevill says they have experienced people prepared to crew with owners who may be worried about beginning competitive sailing. Call him on 09 361 1190 or 0274 832 473.

Offshore racers at Thames for series 7

Round seven of the Offshore Powerboat Championship will be raced out of Tararu, just north of Thames, today. Wayne Valder in Jesse James is in second place. He hopes conditions won't be too flat, giving him a chance to topple series leader Placemakers. Racing starts at 11.30am.

Three arrivals from Beneteau

Yachtfinders-Global will have three new Beneteau models available at Westhaven from the end of May. They are First 44.7, Cyclades 43 and Oceanis Clipper 523 performance yachts. The company predicts a lot of interest in the 13.68m First 44.7, which has an established record as a cruiser/racer. It was designed by the Bruce Farr office and owes a lot to feedback from 550 owners of the First 40.7. Rik Hart will sail the 44.7 in the Auckland-Suva race starting on June 4, which means a hectic two weeks to get the yacht ready.

Water-watch

As some clubs move into closing mode, others are gearing up for winter racing. Activities include:

Saturday: Hauraki Trifecta (RNZYS); Closing Day Regatta, including classic yachts (Ponsonby CC); Saturday afternoon race, every two weeks until September 17 (Bucklands Beach YC); Queen of the Waves (Auckland SC).

Sunday: Winter Invitation Race (Bucklands Beach YC).

Organisations planning events should register in advance with the ARC on (09) 366 2000. The 24-hour response number for the ARC maritime unit is (09) 362 0397.

Robin Bailey is taking a sabbatical from Weekend Marine and Geoff Green is taking the editorial helm. He can be contacted on (09) 428 1624.