Tidelines: Holding pattern

The annual meeting of the Westhaven Marina Users' Association has moved into "wait-and-see" mode on negotiations with Ports of Auckland on the future of Westhaven. Geoff Thorpe was re-elected chairman and the secretary is Max Whittington. One immediate thrust is to increase membership. All those who use Westhaven - berth owners, berth renters, those who use the floating dock, grids and haul-out facilities are eligible to join free. They can do so on line at www.westhavenmarinausers.org.nz or by mail to PO Box 47876, Ponsonby.

Kawau challenge:

Next Saturday the third Marine Trades Challenge takes place at Pah Farm, Kawau Island. Developed by the Boating Industry Training Organisation, the event will have 23 teams of apprentices creating a boat in an hour. They then get to compete against each other on the water on a course that includes sail, paddle and motoring legs. Points will be awarded, among other things, for the quickest build, the best on-the-water performance and the best boat. Inquiries to Sarah at the Marine Industry Association on (09) 360 0056.

Dates changed:

Royal Akarana Yacht Club advises that the Farr 1020 Three-handed Regatta and the Young 88 Two-handed Auckland Championships will now be sailed on the weekend of November 28 and 29. The Notice-of-Race will not be available until October 27 but the club will take inquiries from interested starters on (09) 524 9945. The Small Keelboat Spring Championships will be held on Sunday, October 19, and the Sportboat Regatta on the weekend of November 15 and 16.

Water Watch:

It is between seasons on the sailing calendar this weekend. Main activity:

Saturday: Icebreaker junior regatta, Lake Pupuke (MBSC).

Sunday: Association Day (RYC).


* Clubs or organisations planning activity on the Waitemata or Manukau harbours should register with the Auckland Regional Council Enviroline on (09) 366 2070. The new 24-hour number for the RC Maritime Unit is (09) 362 0397.