Tidelines: Formula 18 Launch inspires interest

Not a huge number of potential catamaran sailors, but all of them keen.

That was the verdict from the trio launching the Formula 18 racing cat after the introductory day at Royal Akarana Yacht Club, which will become the base for the new class.

Chris Green, Chris Tucker and Matt Woodley, the sailors behind the project, say first responses indicate up to 10 potential F18 buyers were there, which they say could mean a fleet of 15 racing in summer.

NEW ZEALAND SAILING INFO GOES ON LINE

Keen racing sailors Zoe Wilde and Andrew Bell have launched a website that allows like-minded people to collaborate on line. They describe www.crew.org.nz as a forum for cruising, dinghies, racing, crew wanted/available, women's sailing and buying/selling gear. Wilde says more than 1000 visited the site in the first week and she expects interest to build quickly. Wilde is a writer, Bell is an IT specialist and the pair have co-opted programmer Nik Coughlin and photographer Chris Cameron to help with the project.

AGE LIMIT TO RISE FOR PWC OPERATORS

The Louisiana House of Representatives, supported by the Personal Watercraft Industry Association, has legislated to lift the age at which PWCs can be used from 13 to 16. Representative Jack Smith, who led the campaign to pass the bill, said it would go a long way towards enhancing safety on the state's waterways. After the law becomes effective on January 1 next year, PWC operators will have to carry proof of completion of a boating safety education course when they ride.

WATER-WATCH

The winter racing programme continues this weekend. Activity includes:

Saturday: MRX winter match-racing series (RNZYS); women's winter series (Ponsonby CC).

Sunday: Fully-crewed series continues (RAYC); Gill winter series (Ponsonby CC).

* Clubs and organisations planning events in or on the Waitemata or Manukau harbours should register with the Auckland Regional Council Customer Service Centre on (09) 366 2000. The 24-hour response number for the ARC maritime unit is (09) 362 0397.