Yachts Set Sail For Sunshine Coast
Sydney Morning Herald
Friday March 31, 1995
NEXT Saturday sees the start of the 1995 Sydney-Mooloolaba race over 489 nautical miles to Queensland's Sunshine Coast.
Sponsored by Telecom's National Business Directory, the race this year has attracted its most powerful field ever.
More than 60 yachts will set sail from Sydney, with entries from Tasmania, Victoria, the Northern Territory and Queensland joining a strong NSW contingent.
Atara, skippered by Irishman John Storey and flying the burgee of the Royal Cork Yacht Club, gives the race an international flavour.
FISHERMEN and fans of alloy boats in general will be glad to hear that leading manufacturer Quintrex is not resting on its laurels.
I was a guest of the Gold Coast-based company last week for the unveiling of its new model range, some of which will be launched at this weekend's Gold Coast Boat Show, while others will be held over until the Sydney Show in late July. Be assured, the new "Quinnies" look very smart indeed.
YACHT clubs are always on the lookout for new members but the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club has joined forces with Mike De Berg's Allsail Yachting School to attract new blood.
The two organisations are not only out to gather in some new crews, but intend also to promote "fun racing" on Pittwater. Although the events will be conducted under International Yacht Racing rules, the "serious aggressiveness" which marks big-time yacht races is dispensed with.
The "fun" events will be staged on Saturday afternoon and during the club's midweek twilight meetings.
Yacht owners and crews who have never competed before will be made most welcome.
For information, contact Mike De Berg, telephone (02) 979 6266.
PANASONIC, better known for its range of household appliances and electronics, has released a new handheld GPS unit that looks to have all the goods.
Despite its small size (13.5cm by 6.5cm by 3.5cm) the KX-G5520X (why can't they give them catchy names?) can store up to 99 waypoints and nine reversible routes in either latitude, longitude or UTM (Universal Transverse Mercator).
The unit is powered by a AA battery pack and has a rechargeable battery pack available as an option. As befits marine equipment, its casing is splashproof.
The recommended retail price is $995, which, all features considered, seems good value.
For information, contact Panasonic's Customer Service Centre, telephone 132 600.
SAIL Sydney '95, the Yachting Association of NSW Easter Regatta for Olympic and International Youth classes, is attracting strong overseas interest as excitement builds towards Atlanta 1996 and Sydney 2000.
Notice of Race for the regatta was distributed worldwide and already organisers have received inquiries from Olympic sailors in Japan, Hong Kong, Bulgaria, Singapore and New Zealand.
All racing in the regatta will be staged over Sydney Harbour's Olympic-style courses, with Woollahra Sailing Club, Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron, Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club and the Royal Australian Navy Sailing Association all helping to run the events.
SWEDISH marine engine manufacturer Volvo Penta is to release a new line of marine accessories, ranging from electric bow thrusters to trim tabs, bilge pumps to deck wash and refuelling pumps.
The line will be marketed as QL Quality Line and will be available through all Volvo Penta dealers.
For information, contact distributors Eastern Engine, Brisbane, telephone (07) 899 1622.
© 1995 Sydney Morning Herald
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