Tidelines: Ireland regatta

From next year the Admirals Cup will be sailed out of Dun Laoghaire, Dublin. The Royal Ocean Racing Club says the event will include a recognisable offshore race as well as inshore racing. As the move away from Cowes means the Fastnet won't be possible, the steering committee arranging the switch has recommended a race of about 710 nautical miles around Ireland. The revised regatta will run from July 12 to 26, next year.

Kingfisher deal

Outstanding British sailor Ellen MacArthur has signed a new five-year sponsorship with Kingfisher. The company says she has been an inspiration to the more than 90,000 Kingfisher employees around the world. MacArthur says her plans do not include a return to the Vendee Globe but she will work toward the multi-hull circuit including the Jules Verne Trophy in an existing maxi catamaran.

Offshore start

The 2002 offshore powerboat racing season starts today with Round 1 on Lake Rotorua. The season runs through to May 4 with the final round at Mt Maunganui. Between, the boats will race at Taupo, Orewa, Wellington, Maraetai Beach, Napier and Thames.

Water watch

Skipper responsibility has been the focus of the BoatSafe campaign. The message is being emphasised again by Auckland Harbourmaster James McPetrie with two big events coming up on the Waitemata.

The Volvo Ocean Race leaves for Rio next Saturday, January 26, and he warns of "the washing machine seas churned up by spectator craft".

When the race fleet arrived there were many people in open boats, not wearing life-jackets, he says. Thousands more craft will be on the water next Saturday and skippers should ensure everyone aboard is safe in the event of a collision or capsize.

On Monday the New Zealand Herald Anniversary Regatta means another busy day on the water and the same warning applies.

Activity this weekend includes:

Saturday: Printing Express race (PCC); Cruising race (DYC); Gold Cup, Roy McDell Memorial (RNZYS).

Sunday: M-Class and ffl15s (RAYC).

* Clubs and organisations planning activity on the Waitemata and Manukau harbours should register with the ARC Enviroline on 0800 80 60 40.