Tidelines: Cross-harbour link

Warren Megget and the Manukau Harbour marine patrol are working to wind up the moribund Auckland Water Safety Association. The AWSA patrol boat, Spirit of Auckland, a 7.3m Exocet with a near-new 225hp Yamaha motor, is lying idle. The Manukau team want to contact former AWSA executive members with the aim of winding up that group and perhaps selling the boat so a more suitable craft can be bought to operate on both harbours. Contact Megget by e-mail on boatedu@ihug.co.nz

Velsheda refit

The famous J-class yacht Velsheda, which was based in Auckland for the America's Cup defence, is having an eight-month refit. The 40m classic was one of three J-class yachts competing in the Cowes regatta to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the America's Cup.

Vision No 3

A design contest will again be a feature of Yacht Vision 02, to be held in Auckland from February 27 to March 3 next year. Organised by marine export group Marex, it follows successful yacht-design symposiums in 1994 and 1998. Design Vision 02, sponsored by High Modulus, will be open to designs for boats over 15.25m - monohull, multi-hull, sail or power.

Riva restorations

The famous Italian Riva motorboats are creating big business for Dutch specialist restoration companies. Boesch Nederland, one of three Riva service centres in Holland, is working on 20 to 30 boats a year. The others are reported to be doing similar business. Boesch managing director Ronald van Asselt says a top-of-the-range Riva Aquarama can cost $US250,000 with the restoration bill on top of that.

Water-Watch

The Ponsonby Cruising Club wraps up its winter series with a prizegiving night and centennial dinner at the clubrooms in Westhaven tonight.

Saturday and Sunday: Wincham United Services P-Class regatta, Murrays Bay Sailing Club.

Clubs or organisations planning an event on or in the water on either the Manukau or Waitemata harbours should register with the Auckland Regional Council Enviroline on 0800 80 60 40.