Yachting: Big flotilla plan for harbour

The defenders of the America's Cup are rallying troops to get behind Team New Zealand with a massive sail-past on the Waitemata Harbour.

The Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron is inviting hundreds of boaties to join their flotilla on February 18, the eve of the America's Cup match between Team New Zealand and the challenger.

Yachts, dinghies, super-yachts and launches will complete two circuits of the harbour in the "Red Sock Salute 2000" afternoon parade, which organisers are describing as the largest flotilla assembled in the Southern Hemisphere.