Tidelines: Summit lure

The Aussies are planning to lure across the Tasman some of the big names expected to be in Auckland for the America's Cup defence. The 5th International Sailing Summit is being held at Geelong, near Melbourne, next January 22 and 23. The summit aims to bring together the sailing industry and the sport to promote yachting worldwide. Summit prime mover and Ronstan Australian managing director Alistair Murray says the timing is right because industry and sponsorship spenders will be in Auckland for the America's Cup and can be tapped to attend as both speakers and delegates.

Rights bargain

Television Corporation has sold 55 years of broadcast rights to Class 1 offshore powerboating to Turkish entrepreneur and former powerboat driver Ugur Isik for £1 ($3.29). The deal amounts to a write-off of £2.2 million ($7.24 million) for the British television company.

Dates clash

A booking problem may force a change in dates for the 2003 London International Boat Show at Earls Court. An Amusement Trades Exhibition is to open on January 21, just three days after the final day of the marine show. But show organiser National Boat Shows needs at least six days to remove the boats. The organiser is looking at options and a decision is expected by the end of this month.

WaterWatch

It's cruising mode for several clubs this weekend, with the Devonport Yacht Club, Ponsonby Cruising Club and Richmond Yacht Club staging cruising races today. Other activity:

Saturday and Sunday: Two-handed weekend (BBYC); Jolly Boat nationals at Clarks Beach (CBYC).

Saturday: North Harbour championships, Optimist, P-class, Starling and 29er (Torbay); Cruising race to McKenzie Bay (RAYC); Teams racing (Weiti); Old Fox Race, Westhaven to Paremoremo (WYC).

Sunday: ff15 and Open Division (RAYC); small keelboat (under 8m) championship (RAYC); M-Class harbour race (RNZYS).

* Clubs and organisations planning events on or in the water should register with the Auckland Regional Council Enviroline on 0800 80 60 40.