The celestial navigation programme at the Stardome Observatory in Auckland is becoming increasingly popular with boaters who want to improve their skills. The two-hour sessions are from 8pm on the first Tuesday of each month. In today's era of relying on modern technological aids, the prudent mariner shouldbe able to fall back on traditional techniques of navigating by the stars and the sun in the event of an equipment failure. Stardome staff say those interested in land-based outdoor pursuits are also finding celestial navigation a useful skill. The observatory is in One Tree Hill Domain and bookings for the $20 courses are essential on 09 624 1246.
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A new trailer boat show is being organised by the Boating Industry Association of Queensland to run on the Gold Coast from October 26 to 28. The first show to be held solely for trailerable craft will be held at Carrara on the Nerang River. The organisers say more than 80 per cent of the 26,000 registered boats in the region are under six metres. They hope the growth potential of the sector will encourage some New Zealand manufacturers to exhibit.
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Stabi-Craft Marine, the Invercargill manufacturer of rugged aluminium boats, has received a $100,000 grant from NZ Trade and Enterprise to help increase its penetration of the American market. The company already has four dealerships in the US and managing director Paul Adams says the grant will enable it to develop its marketing programme.
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It's all about winter racing again this weekend.
Today: Women's winter series (Ponsonby CC); MRX winter match-racing series continues (RNZYS).
Tomorrow: Winter racing (Bucklands Beach YC, Pt Chevalier SC, Ponsonby CC, and Weiti BC); keelboat and dinghy winter series (RAYC).
Organisations planning events on or in the Waitemata and Manukau harbours should register in advance with the Auckland Regional Council on (09) 36 2000. The 24-hour response number for the ARC maritime unit is (09) 362 0397.
* Weekend Marine editorial inquiries to Robin Bailey on (09) 524 4572. PO Box 109 362 Newmarket, Auckland.
