Tidelines: Bookings indicate huge 2006 boat show

Three months before the curtain goes up, 90 per cent of the available space has been booked for the 2006 Auckland International Boat Show. The March 8-12 event at the Viaduct Harbour will again feature a floating marina to display boats, power and sail and new and used. On adjacent Te Whero Island the latest in marine engines, electronics and accessories will be on show. www.aucklandinternationalboatshow.com 

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Building on the success of this year's Simrad Barrier Triple Series the Short-Handed Sailing Association of New Zealand has created a new one-time-only event. To be raced over Waitangi Weekend, February 3-5, the Waitangi Two-Sail Enduro will test the courage, endurance and navigational skills of competing yachts. Courses will vary from 70 miles to 170 miles, starting at Orakei Wharf and finishing off Kawau Island. www.ssanz.co.nz

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Brunswick Corporation has appointed Dunstan E. McCoy as chairman and chief executive. He replaces George W. Buckley who has resigned to become top man at 3M. McCoy has been a vice-president of Brunswick and headed the boat group since its formation in 2000.

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Today: Peter Blake Memorial cruising races (Royal Akarana Yacht Club, BBYC, Devonport CC, Richmond YC, Ponsonby CC); Barbecue for trailer yachts at Motuihe (Waitemata TYS); Cruising Race 2, including motor yachts (RNZYS).

Today and tomorrow: Blake Memorial Regatta, including NZ Etchells (Gulf Harbour YC); Blake Memorial Torbay Youth Regatta (Torbay SC).

Tomorrow: Windward/leeward series, race 3, Bean Rock-Northern Leading Light area (Up to 26 Club).

Organisations planning events on the Waitemata or Manukau harbours should register with the Auckland Regional Council on (09) 366 2000. The 24-hour number for the ARC maritime unit is (09) 362 0397.