Tidelines: Light concerns

Joint patrols by the Auckland Regional Council and the Maritime Safety Authority on the Waitemata Harbour found 75 per cent of all recreational boats checked were not displaying the correct navigation lights. ARC maritime officer Hans Swete says all commercial boats checked complied. Most faults were with smaller powerboats. Although displaying side lights, they did not have the required steaming light or rear-facing white light. All correct requirements are in the free booklet, Safe Boating, an essential guide, free from the ARC, Coastguard and many marine retail outlets. Getting it wrong can cost a $200 fine.

Sayer back

Solo yachtsman Chris Sayer is back in Auckland after what he calls "a little sail" from Auckland to Tauranga, Noumea, Sydney and back. He reports experiencing all sorts of weather from big waves and lots of wind to big waves and no wind. Worst moment was a collision with a shark on the leg to Sydney. The new yacht performed well and will be shipped to Europe on July 27 for a start in the 2003 Mini Transat.

Restoration Trust

The Weekend Marine feature (June 7-8) on shipwright Jay Lawry and the New Zealand Maritime Restoration School Trust generated several inquiries from people seeking more information about courses. The contact details for Lawry are phone 09 402 8687 or mobile 025 1488 552. His email is nzmrsopoua@hotmail.com

Southern man

Geoff Fraser, managing director of brokerage house Laurie Collins Commercial, has relocated to Lyttelton. Fraser says as most of his commercial clients are based in the lower end of the country, the move is a logical one. He will be in the Auckland office at 23 Westhaven Drive two days a month.

Water-Watch

Winter series racing is the main activity on the water this weekend.

Saturday: Winter series, race 4 (RNZYS).

Sunday: Two-handed and open boat series, race 4, harbour course (RAYC); winter series, race 4 (PCC and BBYC); winter short-handed series, race 4 (RYC).

* Clubs or organisations planning activity on the Waitemata or Manukau harbours should register with the Auckland Regional Council Enviroline on 09 366 2070.