Tidelines

Close racing ahead in 2005 Coastal Classic

The organisers are gearing up for our biggest - and quickest - HSBC Coastal Classic.

The 2005 race starts on Friday, October 31 and takes the fleet to Russell Wharf in the Bay of Islands.

Brian Carter, from the NZ Multi-Hull Club, says the developing 9.5m (30ft) and 12.5m (40ft) keelboat fleets and the 8.5m (28ft) class for multi-hulls means plenty of excitement and close racing.

There are now two Farr 40s sailing here, Psycho Circus and Bobby's Girl, and these have been joined by Samurai Jack, a modified Farr 39, two Z39s, Jazz Player and BMW Yachtsport, as well as three Cookson 39s, Moody Blue, Akatea and Power Play.

Then there are the multis, with several that could take line honours.

It looks like being a great race if the weather does its bit. Last year there were 236 starters and it is shaping up for a bigger fleet for 2005. More information on www.coastalclassic.co.nz

Small boats ready for a big summer series

After five years of development, the Up to 26 Club is growing. A Summer Windward/Leeward series has been organised to be run on Sundays starting from October 16.

The fleet is made up of Trackers, Reactors, Noelex 22s, Farr 727s, Quarter-Tonners and one-offs. There's $5000 worth of prize money from sponsors including Sail NZ, Floating Dock, Frayed Knotts, Grid Wholesalers, Warpaint Anti-Fouling, Marine Instruments and DYZ.

They also sail a regular Wednesday series with Richmond Yacht Club starting at 6.15pm.

More information on www.upto26club.org.nz

Water-Watch

Three clubs are providing the main action on the Waitemata this weekend.

Today and tomorrow: Opening Weekend (Auckland Sailing Club); Small Keelboat Regatta (Bucklands Beach Yacht Club); Ice-breaker (Takapuna Boating Club).

Organisations planning events on or in the Waitemata or Manukau harbours should register in advance with the Auckland Regional Council on (09) 366 2000. The 24-hour response number for the ARC maritime unit is (09) 362 0397.

 

Weekend Marine editorial inquiries to Robin Bailey on (09) 524 4572.
PO Box 109 362 Newmarket, Auckland.
E-mail rbailey@ihug.co.nz