September 2006 News

The following news items were placed on Crew.org.nz in September 2006 and have been archived without links or photos. Please use the 'search' function on the homepage of this website to see if we have any further info on a particular topic:

Help girls sailing:
29 Sep - Guys, dust off your boat on Tuesday nights - go racing with the girls. It's a fun and relaxing way to go sailing, and you will be treated like a prince. The Ponsonby Cruising Club's Femme Fitness Women's Spring Series, a series of five races before Christmas, is fast approaching, and it needs boat owners to help out by lending their boats (and you do get to supervise!) There are ten reasons girls take part in this series, and there is one reason that guys do: to meet girls. Click here to find out what the ten reasons are >

Posted 30/09/2006


Lyttleton welcomes spring:
30 Sep - From VICTORIA MURDOCH - Naval Point Club Lyttelton’s season starts today. Record numbers of Keelers, Trailer Yachts and Dinghies are expected. Ross May – Principal Race Officer is predicting Lyttelton Harbour to be a spectacular sight, “with this number of boats the start line will be exciting with crew being able to jump from one boat to the next.” There is a full season of activities programmed ahead with Naval Point Club Lyttelton welcoming ‘anything that floats’. Anyone interested in more information should see the club website: www.navalpoint.co.nz or contact Ken Camp the Club Manager 03-3287029.

Posted 30/09/2006


Lou promised to Orakei:
30 Sep - Following a shake up at Westhaven Marina, Lou Ratu, the much loved security guard, says that she plans to work at Orakei Marina when it opens in December. She says that her heart is still with Westhaven and looking after the 'billion dollars on the water', and she will always be prepared to come back.

Posted 30/09/2006


Break the ice:
28 Sep - Break the ice on summer racing, by taking part in the Gold Cup Icebreaker, a 35m race on 7 October. For sailors who like the challenge of slightly longer races, the Gold Cup is a six race series run by Royal Akarana Yacht Club, the Squadron, Bucks and Panmure. It offers IRC, ORC, PHRF and multihull divisons, and the longest race, the Balokovic Cup, is 87nm. Windward leeward courses that were introduced last year have been dropped from the program. Rayc.org.nz >

Posted 28/09/2006


1,2 and 3 for blind sailors:
28 Sep - It was almost a trifecta for the New Zealanders competing at the Blind Sailing Worlds. The crews achieved second in B1 division, first in the B2 division, and third in the B3 division, while also collecting the trophy for most successful team at the event. Event website >

Posted 28/09/2006


Earthrace runs low on cash:
28 Sep - 'Earthrace' - Kiwi Pete Bethune's attempt to circumnavigate the planet on his biodiesel-powered speedboat - may fall victim to lack of sponsorship revenue. The boat, which is right now headed for the Panama Canal, has been doing 'boat busking' down the West Coast of the USA, attracting donations from visitors and onlookers totalling up to $4,000 a day. Pete estimates he needs $500,000 to reach his goal. With his story being told in international media, is it likely the world will let him fail? Story in New York Times >

Posted 28/09/2006


Free on Thursday?:
28 Sep - The Ponsonby Cruising Club is desperately seeking somebody to run their Thursday evening Coruba Rum Races. They say it will keep you busy between 3pm and 6pm, and the computer does most of the work for you. Full training is provided. If you are interested, call Dianne on 376 0245.

Posted 28/09/2006


73 boats and counting:
26 Sep - Following the decision of major races such as the HSBC Coastal Classic, Around North Island Race and Bay of Islands Sailing Week to offer an IRC division, as well as the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron’s announcement of the first IRC Championships, and Royal Port Nicholson’s adoption of the scheme, 73 boats have been measured already throughout New Zealand. Why is this system important and what is its potential in New Zealand? Story >

Posted 26/09/2006


First Wellington boats arrive in town:
26 Sep - Splash Palace, the Ross 930 owned by Geoff Herd, arrived in Auckland last week for the HSBC Coastal Classic, and more are still to come. The city is putting a team of four boats in for the 25th anniversary event. Read the story >

Posted 26/09/2006


Auckland to Russell, Pronto!:
26 Sep - Tactics can be everything on the 119nm race course between Auckland and Russell. Learn from the experts at Crew.org.nz’s latest Race Clinic, designed specifically to cover many aspects of succeeding in the upcoming HSBC Coastal Classic. Our guest speakers include Volvo Ocean Race winner Ross Field, NZ yachting veteran John Lidgard, Formula One’s Harry Dodson, and Cameron Thorpe. 6pm Thursday 12 October, NZMYC / Victoria Cruising Club, Westhaven. Tickets $20, including a donation to the host club, payable at the door. Click here to register or call 09 376 5100 >

Posted 26/09/2006


Winter Stats:
26 Sep - Mark Mulcare has used the RaceTrack system and database to put together some very revealing statistics about our boats - such as the best performers based on PHRF, IRC, ORC and RaceTrack, as well as telling information about who has spent the most time on the water over winter, and vital club statistics too. It makes good reading for a Tuesday morning. Download as PDF >

Posted 26/09/2006


Kiwis at Blind Worlds:
25 Sep - From MARK MULCARE - At the end of day 2, NZ crews hold places of 2nd (b1), 1st (b2) and 3rd (b3) across the three divisions of racing and currently have a 6 point lead for best overall team. The categories, described simply, are b1 - see nothing, b2 see not much and b3 see about half what's needed for a license. Brian Trubovich is tactician for the b3 team. Day 3 was called off due to heavy weather. More can be found at www.nyyc.org

Posted 25/09/2006


Fundraiser:
22 Sep - Crew.org.nz is about to launch a new project that will also be a superb fundraiser for clubs, classes and associations. We can't tell you what it is just yet but we can tell you that it will be easy to run, it won't cost you anything, and your club could do quite nicely out of it for very little effort. If you are interested in getting your club involved please drop me a line to zoe@due-north.co.nz or call me on 09 376 5100.

Posted 22/09/2006


Newsheet:
22 Sep - Royal Akarana Yacht Club produce an informative little newsletter that keeps us up to date with happenings at the Club. It's usually got something worth reading and you can download it by clicking here >

Posted 22/09/2006


Murdoch sixth at Worlds:
22 Sep - From YNZ - Andrew Murdoch has finished sixth at the 2006 Laser World Championships which ended late last night in Jeju, Korea. Murdoch’s result concludes a solid season for the New Zealand national champion, who recently claimed a bronze medal at the Olympic test event in Qingdao, China. The World Championship regatta has been plagued by inconsistent wind and sea conditions due to typhoon ShanShan threatening the venue over the weekend. A total of just seven races took place despite a possible 14 races in the schedule at the outset.

Posted 22/09/2006


SR26 Champs:
Sep 21 - From ANDREW WALKER - Following a successful Simrad series where seven SR26’s battled it out, comes the Aden Automation SR26 Auckland Champs being held this coming weekend by the Buckland’s Beach Yacht club. Eight races are scheduled over two days and the competition is expected to be tight with everyone out to knock the favourite Rattle N Rum off a pedestal that seems to have their name permanently engraved on it. One SR not seen in Auckland for some years is T-Rex which is now based at Buckland Beach and will fill the gap left by the sale of Space Station to the Bay of Islands. The SR fleet appreciates the sponsorship received for this regatta from Aden Automation ltd (www.adenauto.com) installers of security and CCTV systems, and from North Sails and Mount Gay Rum. Good luck to all competitors.

Posted 21/09/2006


New Volvo Rules:
Sep 21 - Portsmouth (England) – The official race rule for the Volvo Ocean Race 2008-09, released today, shows subtle refinements from its predecessor with the main focus on improving durability while safeguarding the Volvo Open 70’s status as the world’s fastest ocean going monohull. Weight distribution, restrictions on appendages and the integrity of construction materials in keel mechanisms are the main elements of version 2 of the Volvo Open 70 rule – upgraded from the 2005-06 race. The VOR website has all the info >

Posted 21/09/2006


Sail with Ponsonby:
21 Sep - The Ponsonby Cruising Club is definitely one of the friendliest clubs around and it has extended its web-based services for members to include a great Crew Find and Crew Available sign-up service, secure online payment of entry fees, and links to weather websites and photo albums. Also, keep an eye out for Opening Day on 8 October, and the Femme Fitness Women's Series on Tuesday nights. Oh, and while you're at www.pcc.org.nz, check out The Bathtub Test - Young 88 owners taking part in the Owner's Nationals this weekend will enjoy this one. :-)

Posted 21/09/2006


Murdoch running 5th:
20 Sep - Andrew Murdoch is in 5th place at the 2006 Laser World Championships with two days of the regatta to go. Racing resumed yesterday and is expected to continue today after interruptions over the weekend due to the threat of typhoon ShanShan. Six races have been completed in Jeju Island, Korea and the fleet now split for finals racing in Gold and Silver fleets. Murdoch and two other kiwis, David Weaver and Michael Bullot made the Gold fleet. A top ten finish will earn Murdoch automatic entry into the Yachting New Zealand Olympic Squad for 2007.


Posted 20/09/2006


For learners:
20 Sep - BBYC has instigated two types of learn to sail programmes: one is a set of full day courses aboard J24 boats, running through October weekends. The other are coffee mornings for women who want to learn how to sail. You meet at the club, have a coffee and a chat, and then head out for a sail. All the gear is supplied and it sounds like a lot of fun. Interested folk should call the club on 534 3046.

Posted 20/09/2006


Get well soon:
19 Sep - A big Crew.org.nz hug to Peter Montgomery who is recovering at home after surgery. Peter, who is 'the voice of NZ sailing', will be back on the airwaves soon.

Posted 19/09/2006


Gearlocker news:
19 Sep - It's in with the new at The Gearlocker at Westhaven. Tim Duffett, who was responsible for moving the much loved shop from around the corner to its current location in Beaumont Street, has sold the business to Terry Gardiner and team, who will be extending the range to include sail, surf and snow and to stock great brands such as Helly Hansen, Henri Lloyd Aigle and Dubarry, as well as kayaks and related accessories. Give them a welcome >

Posted 19/09/2006


Auckland to Russell, FAST!:
18 Sep - Advance notice that our Auckland to Russell Race Clinic will be back for 2006, one or two weeks prior to the HSBC Coastal Classic. Ross Fields (Konica Minolta, 2005) and other past winners have agreed to speak and share their insights with skippers and crew about how to do well in this fantastic race. The programme is shaping up so stay tuned for dates and times.

Posted 18/09/2006


Keeping it simple:
15 Sep - Billed by the French organisers as an 'equal opportunities' yacht race, the Solo Oceans France-NZ-Frace single handed race have commissioned the build of their first boats. The press release following is provided in slightly stilted English but the message is that they will campaign boats which anybody can afford to build and race, and which smaller companies can afford to sponsor. Have the French got it sussed?

Posted 15/09/2006


New boat for Moose:
15 Sep - Yachting World magazine reports that Kiwi skipper and Volvo Ocean Race winner Mike Sanderson has commissioned the build of a new Open 60. The new boat will be designed by Juan Kouyoumdjian, sponsored by Pindar, and built by Cookson Boats in Auckland. Full story on YW website >

Posted 15/09/2006


Ask an Expert:
15 Sep - We haven't done this for a while. If you've got a good question you'd like to ask of a professional in the marine industry (designer, sail maker, boat builder, rigger etc), send it through to us and we'll see if we can get an answer for you. Please email zoe@due-north.co.nz

Posted 15/09/2006


HSBC Coastal Classic:
13 Sep - The Great Race is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, and entries are already flowing in on www.coastalclassic.co.nz. Crew.org.nz is going to be there in force. We have had a close association with the race for several years now and we can tell you that 2006 is going to be awesome. There is lots in store in Russell. We'll be reporting on the stories up to the race, during the race, and after it. Most importantly, if you've got a new boat that's entering or any sort of interesting news, make sure you drop us a line so that we can write it up. Email zoe@due-north.co.nz or call 09 376 5100.

Posted 13/09/2006


Zoom in:
13 Sep - Your editor was tickled pink to see Chris Tucker and Matt Woodley's Formula 18, complete with Crew.org.nz signwriting, out on the water for the first time last Sunday. It was blowing a good 20 knots and they were going fast. From my spot on Orakei Wharf I was hard pushed to get them on camera. Anyway, click the small picture to view some great shots of Crew.org.nz flying a hull. Thanks guys, the boat looks great and does us very proud. Chris and Matt are heading for the Worlds in Australia next February. Click here or click the picture to view more photos >

Posted 13/09/2006


Collateral Damage:
13 Sept - This is a picture of the Mulcares' new Thompson 30 just an hour before it hit the water for the first time. The boat was a couple of years in the making and is going to be competing against the likes of Blackout and Fun n Games, helping to create a great high-performance 30 foot division. Full credit to Mark Wallis and Craig Partridge for their work. The boat is out of the water right now, but we'll bring you sailing pictures soon.

Posted 13/09/2006


Kendall clear on appeal:
9 Sep - Bruce Kendall and Yachting NZ heads will be breathing a sigh of relief that the American windsurfer injured in a collision with Kendall in Athens has lost an appeal which caps the amount she can claim at $400,000. Kimberley Birkenfeld, who has severe injuries, was seeking US$15m/NZ$23m in damages but has been ordered to pay $3,000 to Yachting NZ. Full story on Stuff.co.nz >

Posted 9/09/2006


Barrier complete:
9 Sept - UPDATED SUNDAY MORNING - Only four of an original nine starters in the multihull division - two GBEs and the giant cats, X-Factor and Sundreamer, made it to the startline today. Are the rest scaredy-cats after the capsizing of two boats in the first race? The third and final race of the famous SIMRAD Barrier Two-Handed Series is underway. We're running regular updates on our race coverage page, so check it out >

Posted 9/09/2006


AC team to spend summer in NZ:
8 Sept - BMW Oracle is going to spend the European winter training in NZ, prior to the Louis Vuitton Cup which recommences in April. The team’s main base of operations will remain in Valencia with only part of the team travelling to New Zealand for the winter sailing programme. The team will operate in Auckland from the Viaduct Harbour starting in November. Around half the team are Kiwis. The team maintains an office in Auckland and many aspects of the technical programme also are based in New Zealand. The team’s masts are built at Southern Spars and many of the sails are built at North Sails, both in Auckland. They will take part in the NZ Matchracing Champs while they are here.

Posted 8/09/2006


New race software:
8 Sept - New regatta management software being developed by a US company for Yachting NZ is tipped to resolve many of the 'tedious tasks' of race management. The software is currently in use in the States but is being adapted for our requirements, and will be free to all YNZ affiliated clubs. Using a 'passport' system, it will enable competitors to enter races with only 'a couple of clicks' and hopefully make life easier for the volunteers and race managers who do such a great job for us. Story >

Posted 8/09/2006


Advertising opportunities:
7 Sep - We've got a couple of new types of advertising / sponsorship opportunities in the wings. Interested? Give me a call on 09 376 5100 or email zoe@due-north.co.nz.

Posted 7/09/2006


Coming Soon:
7 Sep - Which top sailing combination are wearing Crew.org.nz on their mainsail, and eat-sleep-sail on the hull? It's great to be able to show our support for their campaign, and awesome that they are supporting this website. If the weather plays the game for a test sail on Sunday, all will be revealed next week.

Posted 7/09/2006


New 50:
7 Sep - A fantastic loooking new 15m boat from the drawing board of Brett Bakewell White is about to join Auckland's growing 50 foot fleet. Both fast and comfortable, it's a racer designed wtih socialising in mind, for its owners Rob Bassett and Brett Russell. Story and photos >

Posted 7/09/2006


Round they go:
5 Sep - On 3 Feb 07, the Round North Island fleet will depart Auckland for Wellington, in time for the Line 7 Regatta, before heading back to Auckland on leg 2. Jono Gravit of the RNZYS says, "A top class fleet is expected with periennial offshore competitor Ray Haslar having announced his intention to enter in Jive Talkin’. Several of the new breed of 50 footers are also planning to compete in what is shaping up to be a real battle for line honours. There is also talk of several Australian boats crossing the Tasman now that IRC has been introduced in New Zealand." NOR on RNZYS website >

Posted 5/09/2006


BOI Sailing Week Update:
5 Sep - If enthusiasm is catching then Bay of Islands Sailing Week 2007 will attract sailors in their thousands: a number of sponsors are lined up (including Crew.org.nz), the event is going to be televised on Sky and throughout the UK, DVD copies of race footage will also be available for purchase, and a decision has been made to race big and small keelboats on separate courses. But don't take our word for it - read their newsletter (.pdf 40kb) >

Posted 5/09/2006


Alfa Romeo leading Maxi Cup:
5 Sep - Racing in the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup is underway. Up against the two biggies, Alfa Romeo and Wild Oats, our Maximus failed to inspire with a conservative start and finished up the day in sixth place on handicap. Neville Crichton and his team on Alfa Romeo are leading, having sailed impeccably with Olympic and Team NZ star Ben Ainslie as tactician. Regatta website >

Posted 5/09/2006


T30 launch:
3 Sep - Congrats to Mark and Kevin Mulcare on the launch of their beautiful new T30. The launch of the first in what will hopefully be a long line in exhilarating yet practical one design racing, has been a long time coming, but initial photos on the forums make it look worth the wait. Mark is the brains behind RaceTrack and one of NZ's top blind sailors. Kevin and Mark formerly owned Macintosh.

Posted 3/09/2006


Nations Cup team:
2 Sept - Best of luck to the Nations Cup team getting ready to depart for the matchracing event in Ireland. Sailing in the NZL Womens team are Sara Roberts, Jess Smyth, Aimee Famularo & Anna De Fluiter. Also competiting is the NZL Open Team – Simon Dickey, Dallas Bennett, Ian Darby & Sam Tucker.

Posted 2/09/2006


Major sparmakers combine forces:
1 Sep - The two big builders of carbon fibre spars in New Zealand, Marten Spars and Southern Spars, have merged. The merger creates a force of 250 staff who will form a new entity called 'Custom Projects' with the promise of competing more effectively on the world stage, with better economies of scale and co-ordinated design. Paul MacDonald, Managing Director of Marten Spars, will join the senior management team at Southern Spars. Southern Spars was founded in 1989 and is backed by the international North Marine Group.

Posted 1/09/2006