Tidelines: Emmy victory

A victory to the New Zealand M-Class team over the Australians in Sydney last week means a return series of historic skiff racing in Auckland about this time next year. The J.J. Giltinan Trophy Commemoration series went to Myth (Ted Miller) after a comfortable win in the third heat. After the gun the Kiwi fleet headed up the harbour to race back under the Harbour Bridge line abreast under spinnaker. This gesture was well received by the Australians, who vowed to repeat it in their replica 18s after winning the return regatta in Auckland in 12 months.

Y88 anniversary

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Young 88, and owners of this successful keeler class plan to mark the milestone in style. A race to Kawau and an anniversary party at Lidgard House next weekend is the first event. This will be followed by a formal dinner on March 2 at the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron. Details are available on the Young 88 website.

Historic closure

After more than three centuries, the company that made the flags used by Nelson to signal the fleet off Cape Trafalgar in 1805 has gone out of business. Originally the Royal Navy's Sail and Colour Loft at Chatham Dockyard, it became the Admiral's Original Flag Loft when it was privatised in 1984.

Water-watch

A rescue off Long Bay last weekend prompts Harbourmaster James McPetrie to issue a warning to parents about inflatable toy boats. Auckland Regional Council maritime operations officers managed to race from Torbay in time to save a youngster who had been swept out to sea by the wind and tide. The officers believe the child was within minutes of overturning and a tragedy was narrowly averted.

Because inflatables of this type are basically toys, children using them do not have to wear a buoyancy aid. However, Mr McPetrie says that because children can quickly drown even in shallow water, they should have a buoyancy aid when playing in these potentially dangerous toys. He emphasises that as in other near-water situations, they should always be closely supervised, and warns that toy inflatables should never be used in strong winds or in areas with rips or strong currents.

* Clubs and organisations planning activities on the Waitemata or Manukau Harbours should register with the ARC Enviroline on 0800 80 60 40