Tidelines: M-Class action

Members of the M-Class Association will have plenty to talk about at their annual meeting at Royal Akarana Yacht Club on Thursdaay, August 22. The programme for the transtasman series, to be raced against the Sydney Flying Squadron's replica 18s in January, is now in place.

Racing will begin as part of the New Zealand Herald Auckland Anniversary Regatta on Monday, January 27, and continue through to February 1. Now that the on-the-water activity to mark the 80th anniversary of the class is taken care of, the association is sorting out the onshore requirements. A big turnout is expected at the 7.30pm meeting.

Steam's up

From 10am to 4pm tomorrow the National Maritime Museum celebrates the opening of the crane Rapaki to the public with Salute to Steam. People will be able to explore the boiler and engine room and see a display about the old steam crane in the converted coal bunker. On the water, the little steamships Puke, Gypsy and Victoria will be in action. The museum is working to get the Rapaki steamed in the next stage of its plans for the maritime workhorse which was built in 1926.

Marina upgrade

The Blairgowrie Marina at Port Phillip, Melbourne, has undergone a big upgrade. A floating dock from the United States company Bellingham Marine has been installed. The 170-berth concrete jetty has a wave screen suspended on driven steel piles. The marina can accommodate boats from 8m to 18m.

Water-watch

The racing programme this weekend features more competition in the winter series. Highlights include:

Saturday: Women's winter series (PCC).

Sunday: Canterbury fully-crewed series, races 4 & 5 (RAYC); Helly Hansen winter series (PCC); Winter series (MYMBC).

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