Tidelines: Cruisers planning round-NZ rally

The Island Cruising Association is celebrating its 21st year with a novel circumnavigation. It is a fun rally starting in Auckland on January 2 next year. The course takes in Tauranga, Gisborne, Napier, Wellington, Nelson, Fiordland and Stewart Island, Timaru, Akaroa, Picton and Wanganui, finishing in Opua by Friday, March 30. Details from Brian Hepburn. Email: hepburn@islandcruising.co nz or see website link below.

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The Up to 26 Club will have a dinner briefing at the Victoria Cruising Club, Westhaven, Friday, October 6. On the programme is a run through of the main changes planned for the summer series by race officer Al McLaughlin. Start time is 7pm. See website link below.

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The 2007 International Council of Marine Industry Association's congress is being held at Auckland's Hilton Hotel on Princes Wharf from April 11 to 14. The association is the voice of the industry worldwide. The conference, staged by the MIA with support from New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, will be attended by more than 100 international delegates. These include chief executives of 27 MIAs and 47 international boat shows. The congress will be held at the Hilton Hotel on Princes Wharf. Local MIA members will be able to meet visiting delegates and arrange industry visits to their premises. Inquiries to peter@bia.org.nz

Water-Watch

* The Volvo Winter Championships conclude at Murrays Bay Sailing Club this weekend.

* Tomorrow the keelboat and dinghy spring series is sailed out of Royal Akarana Yacht Club and the Pt Chevalier winter series continues.

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