Tidelines: Southern Spars appoints Olympic veteran

Olympic and blue-water sailor Tom Dodson has been appointed to a newly created position to expand the global business of Southern Spars. The company's sales director, Mark Hauser, says Dodson's experience, including two America's Cup campaigns with Team New Zealand, gives him the knowledge to maximise rig performance at the highest level. Southern is a leader in carbon fibre spars, marine components and rigging systems.

Awards night

The marine industry's most esteemed awards will be presented tonight as the highlight of the Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show, at the Auckland Showgrounds. The awards, which cover 12 categories, will be made at a special ceremony at Alexandra Park, and include the top Boat of the Show award. Visitors to the show, which runs until 6pm on Monday, will be able to spot the winners. Their stands will be adorned by a 2m golden column.

Bans lifted

A research programme studying the effect of personal watercraft on recreational waters has resulted in the lifting of a ban on PWCs in two Texas national parks. After a two-year ban, Armistead and Lake Meredith National Recreation Areas have allowed PWCs back on the water.


Water-watch

The fleet for the Auckland to Noumea ocean race will sail from the Viaduct from noon today, for a race start off Orakei Wharf at 2pm. The fleet for the Royal Akarana Yacht Club classic includes the big maxi Zana. Hydroflo is among the quick boats under 55ft overall (16.7m) which will be chasing the $20,000 Lindauer Purse. Weekend racing 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 in or on the Waitemata or Manukau harbours should register well in advance with the Auckland Regional Council Customer Service Centre on (09) 366 2000. The 24-hour response number for the ARC maritime unit is (09) 362 0397.