Catamarans chosen to test young teams

The teams have two hours to build a boat. Photo / Supplied

When the marine industry's young apprentices gather to do battle next Saturday they will be following in the footsteps of their illustrious America's Cup counterparts.

The apprentices will be competing in the industry's annual Marine Trades Challenge, a popular "build a boat" competition that traditionally attracts large crowds to the small Westhaven beach where it is held.

This year, for the first time, the boat the apprentices will have to build in just two hours and then sail, paddle and motor around the downtown Auckland course will not be a traditional monohull but a catamaran.

It will, according to the event's coordinator, Mike Birdsall, be something of a challenge.

"But that's the whole idea."

Birdsall explains that, in the early years of the competition, the teams of four apprentices had to built boats to their own design.

"While some of those were catamarans and outriggers, in recent years the teams have had to build to identical, supplied plans. These were all monohulls.

"This year, things are a little different; although they do have a choice," he says, "They can build a catamaran to the plans we supply, or they can build one to their own design."

Although this year's entrants will have to construct two hulls instead of one, they have not been given any more time in which to do so. Birdsall explains that there is a good reason for this.

"Those building to the supplied plans will be able to save time by having templates provided for cutting," he says. "On the other hand, those building to their own designs will be able to use cardboard or Mylar templates."

Each team will also be supplied with three sheets of 6mm ply, and half a sheet of 9mm ply to be used for the transom and main bulkhead.

The teams are also allowed to bring a pre-built bridgedeck or joining structure to fit between the hulls. "This can be any width, in any material," explains Birdsall. "It may have the mast step and outboard mount integrated as part of the structure and will have to bolt to bulkheads at a set measurement fore and aft."

Birdsall believes this event will be the most fiercely contested yet.

"We are expecting at least 20 marine industry teams from businesses right around the country," he says. "There will also be another four teams from secondary schools."

Birdsall stresses that everyone is welcome to attend the event and watch the action.

"Members of the public are welcome to join us, the teams' families, their friends and other members of the marine industry in enjoying the fun as the action unfolds.

"The Marine Trades Challenge is a really great event for spectators, with plenty of excitement, lots of drama, no admission fee and plenty of free parking."

The teams are scheduled to start building their boats at 10am and will begin racing them at 1pm.

Those wanting to attend can park for free in the white spaces in the Westhaven marina carpark.

2011 Marine Trades Challenge

Where: Westhaven Drive in Westhaven marina

When: Saturday, March 12

What: Teams of apprentices build a boat (to their own design or from

plans) in two hours and then sail, paddle and motor it around a course

Start times: Building starts at 10am

Racing of boats starts at 1pm

Admission: All welcome, no charge

Parking: Free parking in white spaces in marina car park.

More information: nzmarine.com