Tidelines: Vera steps up

After 23 years as secretary of the Richmond Yacht Club, Vera Mummery was elected president at the latest annual meeting. The club expects to have someone filling her former role in the next couple of weeks.

The club is also interested in promoting a launch division for the coming season. Interested owners should call 09 376 4332 or email richmondyc@xtra.co.nx

Accident record

California reported a record number of boating accidents last year. Of the 963 logged with the Department of Boating and waterways, 502 involved injuries. There were 61 fatalities and $3.8m of property damage. Most of the boats involved in accidents, including fatalities, were less than 8m long. Open motorboats were involved in 51 per cent of accidents and PWCs 27 per cent. The accident total for 2002 was 911, including 53 fatalities.

World's biggest

American boating supply retailer West Marine has opened what it claims is the world's biggest marine retail store in San Diego. The 30,000 sq ft outlet has more than 50,000 products on the floor. A feature is the huge range of hands-on product displays and demonstrations, including a virtual fishing game and a 2m marlin pursuing a school of tuna.

Poupon signs

Ocean racer and environmentalist Phillipe Poupon has been signed by Jenneau Shipyards as technical consultant. His first role was to advise on aspects of long-term ocean cruising leading up to the release of the new Sun Odyssey 45.

Water-Watch

There's more winter racing 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 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.