Tidelines: Buoyancy rule

A new buoyancy and flotation rule for companies building trailer boats that carry the compliance plate certificate will apply to all CPC boats manufactured from today. The rule states that all CPC boats shall be provided with reserve buoyancy sufficient to prevent the boat sinking when swamped. All passengers shall be supported by the boat when it is fitted with the largest motor for which it is rated and with all equipment in place.

Free training

Industry New Zealand and the Boating Industry Training Organisation have combined to retrain people with existing manual skills for careers in boatbuilding. Carpenters, welders, joiners, plasterers, panelbeaters and labourers are among those being invited to attend the free part-time programmes. Composite boatbuilding and filling and fairing courses are being offered at Auckland and Whangarei, with an alloy-construction programme at Auckland only. The classes are at night and on Saturdays. Inquiries to Robert Brooke at the BITO on 0800 600 242.

Holland giant

The new Ron Holland-designed sloop being built at Southampton is so big it is classed as a cruise liner. At more than 76m and carrying a rig that towers 88m, the 700-tonne Mirabella V will be the biggest of its type ever to set sail. The contract price of nearly $100 million will mean around 100 jobs at the yard for a year. The yacht will be aimed at the top end of the charter market.

Shipment date

The first shipment of Bombardier-built Evinrude and Johnson outboards will begin from October 15. The 2002 Evinrude line-up will include the entire family of Ficht-Ram models, ranging from 75hp to 250hp. The 2002 Johnson motors will be traditional carburetec two-strokes, 25hp to 175hp.

Waterwatch

Club events make up the organised on-the-water activity this weekend.

Saturday: Victoria Cruising Club post winter series racing from noon (VCC).

Sunday: Bucklands Beach winter series, final race (BBYC); Richmond long short-handed race (RYC).

To list events on the Manukau and Waitemata Harbours call the ARC Enviroline on 0800 80 60 40.fuend