Tidelines: Show goes on

The Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show runs throughout Queen's Birthday weekend at the Auckland Showgrounds in Greenlane. Opening times are from 10am to 6pm Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Tickets cost $15 for adults and $6 for children under 14.

For further information see: www.thenewzealandboatshow.co.nz

Sealegs gets grant

New Zealand company Sealegs International has received a $100,000 Technology New Zealand Grant to develop its jet-powered Rugged Amphibious Craft (RAC-Jet) technology. The grant is to help develop a single engine RAC-Jet which will have an air/water cooling system to allow the amphibious craft to operate on land or water.

The RAC-Jet concept has generated interest from military, police and rescue organisations and a commercial version worth $98,000 is expected to be available by the end of the year.

Maxprop flies in

Yachtfinders-Global has been awarded a non-exclusive agency for Maxprop.

The Italian Maxprop range of feathering propellers is fitted to many international yacht brands, including the Beneteau range of yachts sold in New Zealand by Yachtfinders-Global.

Maxprop's propeller blades automatically align with the water flow when the propeller shaft is stationary, reducing speed-sapping drag when sailing. Forward or reverse drive is automatically selected when the engine is run ahead or astern.

Water-Watch

The 14th Auckland to Suva yacht race will start off Orakei Wharf at 2pm today. It is 49 years since the Royal Akarana Yacht Club organised the inaugural event and it is promoting this race as the 50th year of racing to Fiji from New Zealand. A fleet of 39 boats will take part.

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.

Editorial inquiries should be directed to Geoff Green. Phone (09) 428 1624