Tidelines: Shows combine

The Boating Industry Association has amalgamated its on-the-water Boat Show with the Imtec show, previously staged at Princes Wharf. The merger follows canvassing of the industry at the Imtec show last year and research by the BIA. The results showed Auckland needs just one on-the-water show that combines the strengths of both exhibitions. There will be no Imtec show this year and the first combined event will be in March next year. Boating New Zealand magazine remains the major sponsor. This year's show, at the Viaduct Harbour, runs from March 6 to 10. Inquiries to caroline@bia.org.nz

Poker time

Entries are open for the Poker Run, the fourth of the increasingly popular event. It's not a race and the boats taking part include family runabouts, cabin cruisers, performance ski-boats and inflatables. Skippers collect a card at each of the checkpoints around the course that this year takes in Rakino, Kawau and Rangitoto, with a two-hour lunch break at Pah Farm. The last card in the hand of poker is collected at Swashbucklers restaurant at Westhaven. Devised by NZ Propeller magazine, the run this year is sponsored by Hutchwilco. For entry information contact doug@prop.co.nz

Top sailboats

The fourth annual SAIL magazine Top 10 awards (in alphabetical order) are Bavaria 32, Beneteau 423, Halberg-Rassy 43, Island Spirit 40, J/109, Jenneau Sun Odyssey 35, Malo 41, Najad 460, Sabre 426 and Ultimate 24. The winners were selected from a field of 37 new boats introduced to the US market last year.

Water-watch

Mission Bay today and Karekare tomorrow are the venues for the Safe Summer campaign beach teams. The Mai FM and WaterSafe Auckland people will be running competitions and giveaways between 10am and noon. Other activity:

Saturday: Mahurangi classic craft regatta starts. Race to Mahurangi (BBYC); cruise to Mahurangi (Weiti BC); Cruising race (RNZYS); Finn and Europe nationals begin (MBSC).

Sunday: Round-the-Island race from Mahurangi (DYC); Women skippers' Round-the Islands race from Mahurangi (PYBC).

Monday: New Zealand Herald Auckland Anniversary Regatta.

* Clubs and organisations planning events on or in the Waitemata or Manukau harbours should register with the Auckland Regional Council Enviroline on (09) 366 2070.