Trailer yachts and shoal draft multi-hulls are again invited to take part in the Sail to Katikati event. The date is December 11 for The Talisman Old Fox Event and Dinner 2010, and the event is open to all members of the TYPBC and Katikati YC trailer yacht fleets.

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Sail to Katikati, watch the Christmas parade, attend dinner and prize giving, and return to Tauranga on Sunday.

The finish time at Katikati is after high tide to allow better opportunity for boats from Tauranga to pass through the stakes marking the tidal divide.

High tide Katikati is predicted to be at about 1307. The aim is to cross the finish line at the Katikati Beacon as soon as possible after 1315 hrs

The finish line is between the Katikati marker beacon and either a finish boat or buoy. If there is no boat, entrants are asked to record their own finish times.

Participants are advised to be vigilant and follow the channel up to the Katikati landing, as they will be travelling against the tide upriver and there is a slightly higher risk of being stranded by the falling tide.

The town basin has been dredged since last year and boats should be able to remain alongside the Katikati wharf for the duration. The channel up to Katikati has been re-marked.

Participating craft may sail whatever course they like, but must sail a proper course for the final half mile to the finish. Skippers are permitted to use the sails of their choice and may also move their boats by paddling or rowing or towing with the dinghy.

The event coincides with the annual Katikati Christmas Parade through the town, starting at 1500.

Skippers are asked to take along flags and bunting to decorate their boats.

The Katikati Boating Club will provide breakfast on the jetty at 9am on Sunday morning. Take your own plates and cutlery, cost is $3.