Tidelines: Barry-Cotter plans big marine complex

Bill Barry-Cotter, the Queenslander who founded the Riviera operation and then sold out to launch the Martimo brand has announced a A$200 million-plus marine complex at Coomera, between Brisbane and the Gold Coast. Barry-Cotter's master plan for the riverfront site includes retail, offices, a tavern and a 200-berth marina. He plans to keep 10ha of the 60ha site for his Martimo operation and hopes to have the development completed by 2009.

* * *

Whiting Power Systems is now an authorised Yanmar service provider. The Whiting facility at Orams Marine Village, Westhaven, will sell and service Yanmar diesel engines between 10hp and 500hp and stock a full range of Yanmar parts.

Whiting Power Systems' managing director Tony Whiting says because the company's extensive workshop facilities open on to the Orams hard stand it is possible to position a launch or yacht to efficiently custom build items required to complete maintenance, engine rebuild and re-powering tasks.

Water-Watch

The Simrad Barrier triple series kicks off today with a big fleet due to line up for the first race of the biggest event on the short-handed sailing calendar. Designed to cater for yachts of all sizes and test their crews to the limit, there are three courses from 25 to 100 miles. The series, which last year saw 130 boats competing, continues on 5 August and 3 September. See www.ssanz.co.nz for details.

Match-racing for the MRX Fleet adds to the rest of the winter racing mix this weekend. Activity includes:

Today: Women's winter series (Ponsonby Cruising Club); MRX match-racing (Royal New Zealand yacht Squadron).

Tomorrow: Mariner winter series continues (BBYC); women's series (PCC).

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.