Tidelines: H28 owners keen to share skills

Those who sail in H28s are a dedicated bunch. The sea-friendly Herreshoff has been the introduction to keelboat yachting for many people. All you need to know about the H28 will be revealed at Pier X at Westhaven today between 10am and 2pm when owners' association members hold their annual open day.

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CD coast charts set a sure course

The Nelson-based technology company Polymedia is now offering digital marine charts of New Zealand on CD-Rom with GPS integration.The set of marine charts, designed for both amateur and professional skippers, allow you to plan your course, track it, and mark points of interest. The system includes integration with topographical maps and GPS support for most Garmin, Lowrance and Magellan receivers and real-time tracking. $389. More details online at www.polymedia.co.nz (see link below).

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Autoanchor 150 counts the rode

AutoAnchor's AA150 rode counter connects to the windlass to display the length of anchor rode deployed. It will fit most windlasses, DC, AC or hydraulic, and counts all chain or rope/chain anchor rodes. The company says it is easy to fit with pre-set calibrations, has a docking alarm, adjustable backlighting and gives length in feet or metres. For more information go to www.autoanchor.co.nz (link below).

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Water-Watch

There is plenty of action this weekend.
Today: Commodore's Cup, Race 1 (RNZYS); cruising race to Rakino, Race 1 in the Coruba series (RAYC); Gulf race (Bucklands Beach YC); Hibiscus junior and youth racing (Manly SC).
Tomorrow: Harbour race (Ponsonby CC); summer series windward/leeward races (Up to 26 Club)

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