KEY POINTS:
It's all hands on deck today at the new Auckland Traditional Boatbuilding School. Open day at the Hobsonville site sees a call for volunteers to turn up from 9am. Founding trustee Bruce Tantrum says there is plenty to do for skilled tradesman (bring your own tools) and there are lots of chores for the less skilled. The day will end with a BBQ and drinks from 6pm. Turn right from the NW motorway into Hobsonville Road then right again into Buckley Avenue just before the Greenhithe Bridge. At the RNZAF gates tell the guards that you are heading for the ATBS. Any queries to Tantrum on 0274 720 228.
* * *
The 2007 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show is not on until late May but the organisers say it is already looking like a sell-out. More than 200 companies have applied for space.
Water-watch
The biggest event on the water this weekend is the Sir Peter Blake Memorial Regatta, organised by several clubs and the RNZYS.
Today: Summer cruising weekend (BBYC); Blake Memorial cruising races to Islington Bay (Devonport and Richmond YCs); Blake Memorial Regatta (Weiti BC); Cruising series (RNZYS); Gold Cup 4, Roy McDell Memorial (RNZYS); Motor Yacht Log Rally (RNZYS); Keelboat cruising (RAYC).
Today and tomorrow: Blake Memorial Etchells (Gulf Harbour YC) and cruise to Islington (PCC); Blake Memorial Torbay Youth Regatta (Torbay SC); Blake Memorial Multihull Regatta, Devonport to Gulf Harbour, multihull, sports keelers and cruiser/racers (NZ Multihull YC); Flying 15 North Island Championships (RAYC).
Tomorrow: Spring series (Pt Chevalier SC); M-Class Myth-McCurdy series (RNZYS); summer windward/leeward racing (Up to 26 Club).
Those planning events on or in the Waitemata or Manukau harbours should register with the ARC on (09) 366 2000. The 24-hour response number for the ARC maritime unit is (09) 362 0397.
