Tide lines: Match bonus

There's a yachting bonus for patrons checking out the On-the-Water Boat Show at the Viaduct Harbour March 22-24: they will be able to catch the finals of the Steinlager/Line 7 match-racing series. The series starts on Monday, with top sailors from around the world competing on a course from Westhaven up to the Viaduct.

Hull of a job

Among the products being launched at the show is a device to take the hassle out of keeping boat bottoms clean. Hull Super Scrub combines a brush-head with a telescopic arm that removes marine growth while leaving the paint pristine. The system cleans yachts up to 18m (60ft) and launches up to 21m (70ft) from the jetty, without the need for slipping or haul-out. Jim Hodder, the Picton-based inventor, will demonstrate the system during the show and it will go on the market next month.

Signing on

The sailing trio preparing to campaign their Yngling keelboat in Europe while preparing for the 2004 Olympics in Athens are off to a solid start in their bid for sponsorship. Their boat signage auction at the Line 7 Wharf Yacht Club drew an excellent turnout of supporters; sailors Alesha Thorpe, Michelle Vinsen and Sonya Swinburne got their budget off the ground to the tune of $12,000.

Water-watch

There's big boat action today as keelers and classic yachts race to Te Kouma, starting off Orakei Wharf at 10.30am. Twelve yachts are expected to contest the historic Lipton Cup for L-class mullet boats. Pre-start is from 10.45am off Westhaven. Other weekend highlights:

Saturday and Sunday: Young 88 owners championship regatta (RAYC).

Saturday: French Bay regatta (FBBC); Passage race to Te Kouma (RNZYS); Women skippers' race (BBYC); Cruising races (RYC and DYC); Lipton Cup (PCC); Cruising race to Rakino (VCC).

Sunday: Cruising return race (BBYC); Dragons invitation race (RAYC); Steeler Hauraki Gulf Challenge (PCC); ff15 and open division (RAYC).

* Clubs and organisations planning events on or in the water on the Manukau and Waitemata harbours should register with the Auckland Regional Council Enviroline on 0800 80 60 40.