Tidelines: Anchor counter wins Ibex 2005 award

Kay Madigan from the Auckland company AutoAnchor has plenty to smile about. She holds the trophy for the prestigious Ibex 2005 Innovation Award, from the boatbuilding accessories exhibition in Miami.

Her company's new rope/chain counter fits to the anchor windlass and provides an LCD display that shows the exact length of anchor rode released. The annual awards recognise exceptionally innovative new products. More on www.autoanchor.co.nz (link below).

* * *

Rayglass Boats now operates from Paisley Place on the banks of the Tamaki River at Mt Wellington. Included in the new facility are a chandlery and a huge showroom for Legend and Protector powerboats.

* * *

The Tracker 7.7 Association is showing the flag for the little keeler from 10am to 3pm today at Pier X, Westhaven. The 26ft keeler is safe, affordable and easy to sail. The association says it is ideal as a first yacht or a step up from a trailer-sailer. Details on www.yachtingnz.org.nz/tracker (link below).

* * *

Today: Round Waiheke (Bucklands Beach YC); Lidgard Memorial, mullet boats (Ponsonby CC); SHS single-handed to Kawau (Weiti BC); Junior and youth regatta (Howick SC).
Today and Tomorrow: Ross 930 windward/leeward racing (PCC); International classes regatta (Tamaki SC).
Tomorrow: Performance regatta (RAYC); Spring windward/leeward racing (PCC); Return race from Orapiu (Richmond YC); Harbour Race 1 (Panmure Y & BC).

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.