Speed limit for spectator craft

New speed restrictions are in place for spectator craft on the Hauraki Gulf today to avoid the mad rush to get home after racing.

Auckland Regional Council harbourmaster James McPetrie said a 10-knot speed limit would apply to all boats heading back to the Viaduct Harbour from the race track.

The problem was that Team New Zealand and Prada were being towed back at around 10 knots and spectator craft travelled back at varying speeds to try to catch up with the two teams, he said.

"There were a couple of collisions last Sunday after the race finished. People are really good on the way out and at the race track, but it falls apart when they come home."

The "washing machine" effect with boats all going different speeds was dangerous and increased the chances of collision.

However, Mr McPetrie praised boaties for their good behaviour so far. He said many of the collisions were minor and happened around the start line when boaties were jostling for a position to see what was going on.

There is a 10-knot speed restriction in the harbour and 5 knots at the race course.

Mr McPetrie estimated that about 1600 craft were on the water during Sunday's race.

About 2500 were expected this weekend.

He said the Hauraki Gulf was reasonably clean, despite some rubbish from thousands of spectator boats crowding the America's Cup course.

Italy's Luna Rossa picked up a large plastic sheet on its keel during racing on Tuesday, and other debris such as toilet paper can be seen floating about.

However, Mr McPetrie said boaties were generally very cooperative about taking home rubbish such as plastic and bottles.

He said there were no regulations stopping boats discharging their waste directly into the harbour, but that would change from July 1 - "so it'll be fine for the next Cup."

A survey about the time of the last Whitbread round-the-world race in 1997-98 found that 80 per cent of the rubbish in the gulf was blown off wharves and container ships.

Said Mr McPetrie: "The majority of people are really very sensible."

- STAFF REPORTER, NZPA