KEY POINTS:
Yamaha's V8 outboard motor, the F350A, has been awarded the US Boating Industry Association's Innovation Award. The F350 is the world's first V8 four-stroke outboard and a number are already in use in New Zealand. A 300hp version will be available in February.
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The National Bank is the new sponsor for the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron's International Youth Match Racing Championships. The championships will be held on the Waitemata Harbour from January 23-27. Regarded as the unofficial world championships of match racing, the regatta is for sailors under 21. Teams from around the world are invited to compete in the series, which consists of a double round robin, semi-finals and finals. New Zealand will have at least three youth teams in the event and there will also be teams from Sydney, Perth and Malaysia.
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Countries seeking to start or enlarge Optimist fleets can now apply to the International Optimist Dinghy Association for a development grant known as the "6 for 5" scheme.
Contact Marine editor Mike Rose on (09) 483 8284; 021 735 015 or email mrpr@xtra.co.nz
