A big event to end season

Press, Volume CXVI, Issue 34123, 8 April 1976, Page 10

A big event to end season

Power boats from throughout New' Zealand will gather on Auckland’s harbour in the next few’ weeks for a marine event believed to be unique in the world. The emphais of the day, in spite of other appearances, will be on safe, family boating, not speed. Marking the end of the 1975-76 boating season, skippers will compete in the Atlantic 100 and John Player 50 events, with front-runners vying for winning points in the Atlantic drivers’ championship. The objectives laid down by the Power Boat Race Organisation, which has conducted the trials since 1964, are aimed at improving the design of safe, seaworthy and efficient craft while demonstrating to owners every aspect of safe, sensible and courteous boating. While the speedsters provide major spectator appeal, the greatest part of the prize list is devoted to performance, economy and safety. Competitors in the Atlantic 100 (90.6 nautical miles) have to make one lap of the Waitemata Harbour, pass through the Motuihe Channel to Gannet Rock and then homeward to Westhaven, via Tiri Channel and North Head, to the finishing line under the harbour bridge. Two extra harbour laps have been included this year to allow spectators to see more of the action. While the Atlantic 100 is in progress, the shorter, 50-mi!e John Player event will be contested within the, harbour.