Tidelines: Imtec again

The August 7 to 11 Imtec Boat Show at the Hilton on Princes Wharf went smoothly, apart from the weather, says organiser Warwick Brown. Exhibitors liked the upgraded exhibition space and feedback has been positive. He plans to run it again around the same time next year.

Noise checks

The European Commission has approved a $1.5 million grant for a survey to check noise emissions on recreational craft. The Sound Boat Project will test 100 boats across Europe over two years. The objective is to provide the boatbuilding industry with cost-effective solutions to enable it to meet the requirements for noise emission to be announced in a forthcoming amendment to the Recreational Craft Directive. The project is being supported by the marine industry associations of the United Kingdom, France, Italy and Sweden.

Lifejacket initiative

The US Coastguard is backing a new campaign to promote the use of lifejackets among high-risk sectors of aquatic recreation, including anglers, children, canoeists, kayakers and small-boat users. Two educational videos will be produced highlighting the advances made in lifejackets. They are now more user-friendly and comfortable, and types of personal flotation device have been designed for a wide range of specific water activity. One video will be designed for consumers and the other for the boating safety community, including educational organisations and retailers of safety equipment.

WaterWatch

The winter racing programme moves into the finals for some clubs this weekend. Highlights include:

Saturday: Winter series final (RNZYS); Winter series continue (VCC).

Sunday: Canterbury two-handed and open boats series, race 10 (RAYC); Mount Gay winter series, harbour race (CCYC); Short-handed winter series final (RYC).

* Clubs and organisations planning events on the Waitemata and Manukau harbours should ensure their details are included in the Harbour Events Calendar by calling Hans Swete at the Auckland Regional Council Maritime Operations Centre on 09 361 2405 or Enviroline 0800 80 60 40.