Tidelines: Exhibition tells story of union company

A display featuring the Union Steam Ship Company has just opened at the National Maritime Museum. Founded in Dunedin in 1875 the company's ships plied coastal and international waters until 2000. By 1914 it had become one of the most innovative shipping lines in the world, and dominated the Southern Hemisphere. In its heyday the company owned 81 steamers, 35 coal hulks and 25 launches as well as hotels, wharves, stores, workshops and offices and was New Zealand's biggest private sector employer.

Big fleet tipped for 2004 Classic

More than 300 yachts are expected to start in the 2004 Coastal Classic, from Devonport to Russell on Friday, October 22. Race organisers are filing regular updates on the event on Costal Classic

US study reveals lifejacket attitudes

A survey of hunter and angler groups by the BoatUS Foundation revealed the top three reasons why sportsmen don't wear lifejackets while boating.

BoatUS director Chris Edmonston said the main reason was the lack of comfort, the second was that the focus group rarely saw professionals on TV wearing lifejackets. The third, and potentially the most dangerous, was that most of those surveyed were confident of their swimming ability. Edmonston said the most surprising result was the low awareness of modern, lightweight and comfortable inflatable lifejackets.

Water-watch

The weekend action gets off to a crowded start this morning with a fleet of 90-plus yachts entered for the Barrier 60-miler.

The race is the second in the Simrad series and starts off Orakei Wharf at 9am.

Other activities include:

Sunday: Winter series, fully crewed and shorthanded (three people) divisions, spinnaker and no extras (Richmond YC); Howick winter series (Howick SC); Winter series (BBYC); Winter series (Gulf Harbour YC).

* 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.

Editorial inquiries to Robin Bailey (09) 524 4572;