Race yachts face checks

Divers are to check the hulls of some of more than 230 yachts taking part in the Coastal Classic race to try to prevent the spread of the invasive sea squirt from the Waitemata Harbour to the Bay of Islands.

The pest, a plant-like animal, threatens New Zealand's $300 million mussel industry.

All yachties registered for the Auckland to Russell race, which starts on Friday, are being contacted about the cleanliness of their hulls, Biosecurity New Zealand said yesterday.