TideLines: Anchors away

A Bay of Islands husband-and-wife team is cracking international markets with a product that has been successful at home. Lou and Ruth West from Paihia make the Anchor Buddy system of anchor weights for boats from 5m to 12m. They started making the rope or all-chain anchoring system in 1996, supplying mostly Australia and New Zealand. Since launching a website orders have come in from as far afield as Scotland and Guadalupe. The Scottish client was so impressed he helped the couple set up a chain of 22 distributors in Britain. The Wests are now tackling the US and Canada. In New Zealand the system sells for $249 to $324. The website is Anchor Buddy

Peninsula rescue

A permanent home for the Hibiscus Sea Rescue Unit at Gulf Harbour is getting closer. The new rescue centre is designed to provide better coverage for the Whangaparaoa Peninsula sector of the Waitemata Harbour. The search and rescue service for the area began in 1979, when the Hibiscus Coast Boating Club was established. The club organised the service until a rescue trust set up last year assumed responsibility. Now the plans are drawn up and as soon as resource consents are approved work will begin.

Education expo

The International Boat Builders Federation Exhibition conference (IBEX) 2002 will feature an education component on modern boatbuilding. The show, to be held in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, from February 6 to 8, will included 60 seminars, workshops and demonstrations on specific aspects of the industry.

Waterwatch

The National Outrigger Championships on the Upper Harbour on Saturday add variety to the weekend on the water.

Saturday: Fistful O'Dollars Optimist, P-Class, Starling and 29er dinghy regatta (Torbay).

Sunday: Icebreaker Laser regatta (Manly); Richmond Owners Association Day, Noelex and Lotus classes (RYC).

Clubs or individuals wanting to list upcoming events on the Waitemata and Manukau harbours should call the Auckland Regional Council.