Tidelines: Wreckage of Team Philips catamaran found

Sections of the Team Philips 36.6m racing catamaran abandoned in the North Atlantic in December while trialling for The Race have been washed up in Ireland and Iceland.

The starboard hull was found off southern Iceland and a bow section was washed up 800 nautical miles away in Ireland. The parts have been identified by team logos and lettering.

There had been speculation that the catamaran remained intact, but retrieval of the parts proves the vessel broke up after the crew abandoned ship after the boat's steering pod was badly damaged in a storm.

Aussie awards

Bill Barry-Cotter, founder and chairman of the Riviera Group, was named Manufacturer of the Year at the Modern Boating Magazine 2001 Boat of the Year awards. It was the first award to recognise an individual's contribution to the industry. Other awards: Aluminium boat Pacific Supervee (Queensland); family boat Whittley Voyager sterndrive (Victoria); fishing boat Southwind 640 (NSW); cruiser Riviera 40 Flybridge Convertible (Queensland); Boat of the Year - Riviera 40.

Licences online

Canadian recreational boaters can now get their pleasure-craft operator card online. Every operator of a watercraft fitted with a motor must obtain the card, which is also available by taking a coastguard-accredited exam. The developer says the website can train applicants and print a temporary licence in less than an hour. As well as allowing urban boaters to get the qualification without having to spend time in a classroom, it is invaluable for people in rural or other isolated communities.

WaterWatch

Once again the Richmond Yacht Club has the only listed activity this weekend, with a shorthanded race on Sunday.

Harbourmaster James McPetrie has a timely reminder for all boat-owners. As well as taking care of the maintenance of boat and motor, the off-season is a good time for some personal improvement. For a refresher course or to upgrade your qualification, call the Coastguard Boating Education Service on 0800 40 80 90 and see what's available.

* Organisations planning activity on the Waitemata and Manukau Harbours should register with Enviroline on 0800 80 60 40.