Tidelines: Quickest apprentices to battle top Aussies

An unusual transtasman boatbuilding challenge will be decided at the Sydney Boat Show this weekend. The NZ Yachting Developments team of Grayson Ford, James Hilt, Morgan Bryan and Brett Elstob, winners of the last Marine Trades Challenge at Kawau Island, will take on four fast Australians. The teams have to build a boat in an hour and race it against the opposition's craft. Boating Industry Training Organisation general manager Robert Brooke says the event could grow into the marine equivalent of the Bledisloe Cup.

AMERICAN HARDWARE RANGE NOW AVAILABLE HERE

The innovative Bay of Islands company that developed the anchor buddy system has secured the New Zealand agency for Garhauer marine hardware. West Anchors chief Lou West says the American gear has long been admired on visiting cruising yachts for its strength and corrosion resistance. The new Unibody range comes in polished stainless steel or anodized black or grey and the blocks carry a 10-year guarantee. Inquiries to garhauernz@paradise.net.nz

MIA GIVES SOUTHERN A FOURTH TERM AT THE TOP

Wellington-based Bob Tait from Diversified Products has been elected president of the Marine Industry Association for a fourth term. Another Southerner, Alan Russell, from Reflex Boats in Christchurch, was re-elected vice-president with the second VP spot going to Richard Downs-Honey from High Modulus in Auckland. Accepting another year in the top job, Tait emphasised the need for the MIA to continue developing the initiatives set out in the 2004/2005 strategic plan.

WATER-WATCH

The winter racing programme continues this weekend. Activity includes:

Saturday: Winter series continues (RNZYS).

Sunday: Winter series, fully-crewed and shorthanded (three people) divisions, spinnaker and no extras (Richmond YC); Howick winter series (Howick SC); Winter series (BBYC); Winter series (Gulf Harbour YC).

* Clubs and organisations planning events should register well in advance with the Auckland Regional Council Customer Service Centre on (09) 366 2000.

Editorial inquiries to Robin Bailey (09) 524 4572; email rbailey@ihug.co.nz