Tidelines: New cruise-racer

The Bruce Farr-design office and the giant yacht-building Beneteau company have produced a new cruiser-racer, the First 36.7. The 10.94m yacht is a downsized version of the First 40.7 that blitzed the opposition in the IMS Worlds in Sardinia and the last Kenwood Cup. The new boats, due here around the end of the year, will carry an IMS rig and include some creature comforts for cruising. Price is expected to be around $350,000.

Show winners

Competitions organised as part of a membership drive for Auckland Volunteer Coastguard at the Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show have been decided The big winner was E.F. Mulgrew, of Waitoa, who won a prize pack worth $1200. It included a cash voucher from Electronic Navigation, a pair of waterproof disposable cameras from Hanimex and an inshore Sospender lifejacket from Safety at Sea. Daily prizewinners were Paul Alexander (Milford), Beverly Clarke (Te Atatu), David Ayling (Inglewood), Allen McCormick (Bucklands Beach) and R.O. and K.L. Williams (Cambridge).

Second attempt

Auckland solo sailor Chris Sayer is on track with his campaign for the next mini Transat. After shocking the world of single-handed sailing in 1999 in his self-built wooden yacht, Navman, Sayer hoped to move up and race in the 2002 Around Alone classic. Unable to raise sufficient sponsor dollars, he is tackling the Atlantic again with the aim of improving on his third placing in 1999. He is building his own boat and says he is right on track to contest the Round North Island race in February 2002.

WaterWatch

Sailing stalwarts from Richmond Yacht Club and the Victoria Cruising Club provide the official action on the Waitemata this weekend. Saturday: Victoria winter series, RCE 6 (VCC). Sunday: Richmond short-handed race (RYC).

A reminder on pre-departure essentials is the advice this week from the ARC maritime unit. Check thoroughly your boat, motor and safety equipment, know the tides and get the latest weather forecast.

To have your event on or in the water listed call the ARC ENVIROLINE on 0800 80 60 40.