Tidelines: Dolphin tales

The New Zealand National Maritime Museum, Hobson Wharf, has a couple of fascinating speakers this month. Earthwatch scientist Susana Cabellero will talk about her work researching the impact of human activity on dolphin populations in Costa Rico. She can be heard at 7pm on Tuesday (March 9) at the museum.

The next week, on March 17, Christiane Mortelier tells the true story of the castaways of the Grafton, who spent 18 months on the Auckland Islands. Based on Francois Raynal's book Wrecked on a Reef, it is an engrossing tale of survival in a hostile environment. She will give two lectures at the museum at 12.30pm and 7pm.

For bookings call Jodi on (09) 373 0800 or email

Farr birthday

Next weekend there will be a celebration of the 21st birthday of the Farr 1020, designed by Bruce Farr and built by Sea Nymph (now McDell Marine). More than 120 of the hugely popular and successful cruiser/racers have been built and the owners' association plans a big celebration out of the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron. The celebrations kick off with a rum race this Friday night, and ending with a public open day on Sunday.

Water-watch

After two weekends of bad weather that disrupted racing, competitive sailors are looking forward to a full programme today and tomorrow. Main activity includes:

Saturday: Club championships, windward/leeward (RNZYS); Cruising race (Ponsonby CC); Sports day at Motuihe (Westhaven YC); Devonport regatta, including classics (Devonport YC); North Harbour championships (Torbay SC); Cruising race (Gulf Harbour YC); Cruising series to Islington Bay (Weiti BC).

Saturday and Sunday: Single-handed weekend (Bucklands Beach YC).

Sunday: His and hers race plus classics cruising (RAYC); Return race from Te Kouma (Richmond YC); Harbour race (Panmure YBC).

* Clubs and organisations planning events in or on the Waitemata or Manukau harbours should register well in advance with the Auckland Regional Council Customer Service Centre on (09) 366 2000. The new 24-hour response number for the ARC maritime unit is (09) 362 0397.

* Editorial enquires email Robin Bailey or phone 09 524 4572