Tidelines: Akarana changes

The new team at Royal Akarana after the annual meeting has Richard Macalister as commodore, William Randall vice-commodore, Craig Coulam rear commodore and Warwick Sexton in the club captain's seat. Coulam takes over as chair of the sailing committee and Sonya Swinburne replaces Caroline Baker as sailing manager.

Huge catch:

A contest at the National Boat Show in Hamilton this weekend has drawn a huge number of entries, with children sending in photographs and the story behind their dad's "one that didn't get away". The winner gets a four-day fishing trip to White Island.

Sail courses:

A new series of adult learn-to-sail courses begins at Buckland's Beach Yacht Club on September 20. Each Saturday courses run from 10am to 4.30pm in J24 keelers. The 30 hours of tuition costs $375, plus club membership. Inquiries to the club office on (09) 534 3046.

Exporter revamp:

The New Zealand Marine Export Group has a new name and logo, New Zealand Marine. Executive director Lane Finley says the change reflects our success on the international marine market. The sails and shadows on the fern tie the brand to this country as well as pointing to the website www.nzmarine.com

Water watch:

Winter racing winds down on the Waitemata this weekend as clubs get ready for the season ahead.Saturday: Final of the short-handed Simrad series with the 100-miler (SSANZ); women's winter series final (PCC). Sunday: Final Hally-Hansen race (PCC); fully crewed series final (RAYC).


* Clubs or organisations planning activity on the Waitemata or Manukau harbours should register with the Auckland Regional Council Enviroline on (09) 366 2070. The new 24-hour number for the RC Maritime Unit is (09) 362 0397.