Tidelines: Moorings order

International yacht charter company The Moorings has ordered more than US$26 million ($55.3 million) worth of new yachts from builders in France, South Africa and the United States. Some of the new fleet will be located at new Moorings bases in Belize and the Grenadines. Two 19m catamarans will operate out of Tortola, in the British Virgin Islands, for crewed charter work. The fleet purchase includes monohulls from Beneteau and Jeanneau.

Heavier fines

Kentucky has raised the fines for drunken boaters from US$250 ($532) to US$350 ($745) and ordered everyone convicted of being in charge of a boat while under the influence to take a safe-boating course. There have been nine boating fatalities on Kentucky waterways this year.

Magazines sold

The American magazines Boating World and Cruising World have been bought by World Publications, a company that produces travel, garden and diving and fishing titles. The two popular sailing magazines have a combined circulation of more than 200,000 copies worldwide.

Spares pledge

Bombardier Recreational Products has guaranteed it will continue to supply parts for older Johnson and Evinrude outboards. Company director Dean Devore said the policy was to stock parts for at least 10 years, but this will be extended beyond that age range if the demand is there.

Water-watch

Winter racing continues this weekend. Highlights include:

* Saturday: Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron and Victoria Cruising Club winter series.

* Sunday: Canterbury two-handed and open boats series, Races 8 and 9 (RAYC); Short-handed winter series (RYC); Winter series (BBYC); Mt Gay winter series, local race (CCYC).

* Clubs and organisations planning events on the Auckland harbours should ensure the details are included in the Harbour Events Calendar and the 2003 Boaties Book. Call Hans Swete at the Auckland Regional Council Maritime Operations Centre on (09) 361 2405 or Enviroline 0800 80 60 40