Tidelines: Nominations sought for environmental award

The French Nautical Industries Federation (FIN) is calling for nominations for its Bateau Bleu Award. This is a new competition designed to encourage the development of environmentally friendly products for recreational craft. FIN vice-president Pierre Barbleu said, "We are convinced there are new ideas and products out there, whether they be from universities, schools, marine equipment manufacturers or inventors, that will confirm the marine industry and boat owners are concerned about environmental questions." The winner of the 2005 Euro 20,000 contest will be announced at the Paris Boat Show in December. Inquiries to bateaubleu@fin.fr

INTEREST IN SAILING CATS FOLLOWS SHOW

The high New Zealand dollar has revived interest in big sailing catamarans, says Shane Walker, from The Moorings, who exhibited three Robertson & Caine cats at the Auckland boat show. He says the luxury sailboats are affordable and he has had interest from people wanting them for both private use and as charter investments here and in Tonga.

DODSON TO TALK SAILS AT M-CLASS MEETING

Guest speaker at this month's meeting of the M-Class Association will be Tom Dodson, from North Sails/Southern Spars. Dobson has been given a working draft for mast/rig tuning and the future development of M-Class sails. Members should put their questions to the association before the meeting, which is at Royal Akarana Yacht Club at 7.30pm on Thursday.

WATER-WATCH

There is plenty of competitive action on the water this weekend. Activity includes:

Saturday: Single-handed race (Devonport YC); Saturday afternoon race (Bucklands Beach YC).

Saturday and Sunday: Young 88 nationals, East Coast Bays (RNZYS); Weekend of Speed regatta and 12ft Skiff Nationals (Auckland SC).

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