<i>Tidelines:</i> Looking ahead

9 Nov, 2001 05:18 AM2 mins to read

The organisations overseeing on-the-water safety during the America's Cup campaign and the Louis Vuitton series that precedes it are well into their planning. During the first defence, WaterSafe Auckland, the regional arm of Water Safety New Zealand, was largely responsible for bringing enforcement and educational agencies together under the Safe Summer 2000 banner. That successful formula is being repeated for the second defence of the America's Cup. The first meetings have been held and the support of key partners, including the Auckland Regional Council's maritime operations unit and the Police Maritime Section, has been arranged. WaterSafe executive officer Sandy Harrop says she plans to have a format for Safe Summer 2002 in place before the end of this year.

Speed site

Arguments about the fastest sailing times across the water can now be settled online. The World Sailing Speed Record Council and the International Sailing Federation have collaborated on the site Sail Speed Records which details passage times, speeds and distances.

The site lists boats, skippers and nationalities and states the rules covering the record categories. The new site carries ratification of Steve Fossett's transatlantic records set in the 38.1m New Zealand-built catamaran PlayStation.

Water Watch

Activity increases on the Waitemata this weekend as the sailing season builds momentum. Auckland sailors will also be busy on Lake Taupo for the two-day Olympic Class North Island championships.

Today: Tanner Cup P-Class trials, Murrays Bay and Kohimarama; Starling match-race trials, Torbay and Howick; Cruising races (PCC and RYC); Harbour Race (RNZYS); River race to Hobsonville (VCC); First Old Fox series run to Rakino (WYC).

Tomorrow: North Harbour masters, Lasers on Lake Pupuke, windsurfers and catamarans at Takapuna; Single-handed race (BBYC); M-Class harbour race (VCC); King of the Islands series, Race 1 (MSC).

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