Tidelines: Expansion plans

Organisers of the On-the-Water Boat Show that ended at the Viaduct Harbour last weekend are looking for an expanded exhibition next year. Show CEO Peter Busfield says the demand for exhibition space is such that they are looking to include the area where some of the America's Cup syndicates were based and either have an adjoining marina or use a water taxi service to shuttle patrons between sites.

Furuno awards

The electronic giant Furuno has taken out nine 2004 National Marine Electronics Association (NMEA) product awards. Furuno won the recreational radar section for the 23rd consecutive year for its 1800/1900 NavNet series of radars which allow sounders, GPC chart-plotters, weather fax, instruments and video to be interfaced with the radar display and multiple LCD monitors which can be installed throughout the vessel. The full list is on www.enl.co.nz

Fresh thinking

The Marine Industry Association has selected the theme "Freshen Up Your Business" for the fourth annual industry conference at the Formosa Country Club, at Pine Harbour, on Thursday and Friday, April 22 and 23. Speakers include National Party leader Don Brash and economist Rod Oram. Conference topics include intellectual property, risk management, drugs and alcohol in the workplace, and managing change.

Water-Watch

The Young 88 Auckland championships sailed out of Akarana and the Lipton Cup head the on-the-water action this weekend. Other activity:

Saturday: Club championships to Te Kouma, including classics (RNZYS); Freshwater championships, Optimist, P-Class and Starlings, Lake Pupuke (Murrays Bay SC); Lipton Cup (Ponsonby CC); Cruising race (Gulf Harbour YC); Old Fox 5, Oneroa (s/w) or Huruhi (n/e) (Westhaven YC).

Saturday and Sunday: Young 88 championships (RAYC); Club championships (BBYC).

Sunday: Two-handed, three-legged race (Panmure YBC); Clearwater Cove return race from Kawau (CCYC); His and hers race (PCC).

* 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.

* For editorial enquires contact Robin Bailey by email or phone (09) 524 4572