Tidelines: Aquapro brings back Monaco sports craft

Citing customer demand, Aquapro will have the Monaco range of sports boats available again from next month.

The 3.41m, 3.71m and 4.2m Monaco models have developed a reputation as quick, exciting yet practical boats for the bach or as deluxe launch and motor yacht tenders.

In the past year Aquapro has merged with the marine safety group RFD New Zealand and started offshore production. General manager Hamish Munro says this move led to the re-launch of the Monaco range.

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Waiheke club puts out welcome mat

Waiheke Boating Club kicks off its 2005-06 season with a picnic day and all water activity groups, including Sea Scouts, Coastguard and Sea Sports Academy members, have been invited.

High tide is 11.30am and the programme starts at 10am with short course racing for trailer sailers and keelers off Kennedy Pt. At noon the Lasers, Jollyboats and junior classes will be in action.

After the racing there will be a family barbecue and picnic on Shelly Beach.

The public is invited to attend as the club makes an all-out bid to promote sailing as an ideal family recreation with a competitive edge for those who want an added buzz.

The racing starts the club's spring series, which continues on Sundays and Wednesdays until December. Inquiries to Jeff Mann on 372 5101.

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Water-watch

There is opening-day action and some serious racing in the schedule for this weekend. Activity includes:

Today: Gold Cup inshore series starts (RAYC); Fistful O Dollars (Torbay SC).

Tomorrow: Open Bay (Bucklands Beach YC); Opening Day (Wakatere BC, RAYC, Ponsonby CC and Gulf Harbour YC).

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.