Tidelines: Richmond history

Marine historians Harold Kidd and Robin Elliot have again directed their talents to our sailing past. This time it is Lee Rail, a Centennial History of the Richmond Yacht Club. They have done the club proud with 136 pages of crisp words and great pictures that capture the trials and tribulations the club has overcome since its formation in 1903. Being adaptable has been a feature of Richmond's life, and a topical feature of the club's success is the way it coped during the transition years while Westhaven was developed. A timely stocking-filler for Auckland sailors. It costs $39.95 from the club or from Boat Books.

Women afloat

An exhibition titled Making Waves, Women at Sea, opens at the National Maritime Museum, Hobson Wharf, on Thursday. It features women who have succeeded in a variety of marine occupations and depicts the difficulties and challenges they faced in following their professions in what was a male domain.

Mets record

The Marine Equipment Trade Show (Mets), held in Amsterdam from November 18 to 20, attracted a record 16,700 people from 70 countries. Organisers say 914 exhibitors displayed their products and services.

Water-watch

A busy programme is scheduled for all classes on the water this weekend. Activity includes:

Saturday: Cruising race (RNZYS); Gold Cup (Panmure YBC); Lidgard Memorial (PCC); Round the buoys race, including classics (Devonport YC); Singlehanded round-Motuihe race (BBYC); Summer cruising (RYC); Short-handed series to Westhaven (Weiti BC).

Saturday and Sunday: International classes regatta, including Olympic rankings (Tamaki YC); Auckland Starling match-race trials and Tanner Cup P-Class trials (Kohimarama YC).

Sunday: Central masters swim, Curran St to Chelsea, 12.15pm start; His and Hers race (PCC); NYA regatta (Sandspit YC); Single-handed race to Motuihe (BBYC).

* Clubs and organisations planning events in or on the Waitemata or Manukau harbours should register well in advance with the Auckland Regional Council Enviroline on (09) 360 2070. The 24-hour response number for the ARC maritime unit is (09) 362 039.