Tidelines: Military coup

Thirteen top international military men have just made a flying visit to Lancer Industries to see the latest developments in the Henderson company's range of military watercraft. The delegation, from the UK College of Defence Studies, included service chiefs from England, Jordan, Kenya, Georgia, Croatia, Russia and Canada under the direction of Air Vice-Marshall Peter Roser of the RAF.

Trade winners

The team from McMullen and Wing took out the big prizes in the inaugural Marine Trades Challenge at Pah farm, Kawau Island. The hammer and screwdriver experts were first to complete their grandstand and won the Marine Trades Challenge Trophy for best overall challengers. Second place went to Robinson Marine and third to Formula Boats. Organisers are already planning a repeat of the Boating Industry Training Organisation exercise for 2002 and beyond.

Preview hitch

This edition of Weekend Marine promised a preview of the new Safe Boating Guide booklet which will be the basis of our BoatSafe summer promotion. Unfortunately, a technical hitch made advance inspection impossible. However, the booklet will be available from Labour Weekend.

Anchor award

Northcote-based design company RMSD Limited has received an Industry New Zealand Enterprise award for its new Auto Anchor electronic windlass controller and rode counter for yachts and launches.

WaterWatch

Two club opening days help get the yachting season under way this weekend. On-the-water activity includes:

Saturday: Cruising race and Gulf Harbour Passage 1100 (RNZYS); Panmure Opening Day, keelers and centreboard classes (PYBC).

Sunday: Duke of Edinburgh Cup, M-Class and Flying Fifteens (RAYC); Ponsonby Opening Day (PCC).

Clubs and organisations planning events on, in or under the water on either the Manukau or Waitemata harbours should register with the Auckland Regional Council Enviroline on 0800 80 60 40.