Tidelines: Dual-headed marine searchlights here

The dual-headed Colorlight range of halogen (white light), UV (black light) and combination halogen/UV searchlights is available in New Zealand from Electrics Afloat. The white light can pick up objects up to 4000m away and the black lights can find fluorescent buoys, beacons and oil spills up to 1400m away.

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Princess to unveil new 54 flybridge

British boatbuilder Princess Yachts will unveil its new Princess 54 flybridge at the London Boat Show in January. At 16.3m (54ft) the boat joins the company's range of flybridge motoryachts, including the V53 and V65 which were first shown at this year's Cannes show. Engine options for the Princess 54 include twin 675hp Volvo D12 diesels or 715hp models giving speeds of up to 33 knots.

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Skipper service for party time boaters

Classic yacht stalwart Chad Thompson has launched a new service for seagoing party people. He has set up a dial-a-skipper deal that will enable boat owners planning to entertain afloat to hand the helm to an experienced skipper while they entertain. Details on www.classicyachtnz.com (see link below).

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Water-Watch

Competition this weekend includes the Optimist Open team regatta at Murrays Bay Sailing Club today.

Other activity: Today: Mullet boat harbour race (Ponsonby CC); cruising race (Richmond YC); club race to Hobsonville (Panmure Y & BC).

Today and Tomorrow: Club champs, harbour course (RNZYS). Tomorrow: Cruising Icebreaker (Devonport YC); Spring/Summer race 1 (Ponsonby CC); Windward/leeward race (Up to 26 Club); Single-handed race round Motuihe (BBYC); Gulf race (Weiti BC); Javelin and 12ft Skiff Auckland Champs (Auckland SC).

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