Tidelines:'Smart' remote for dual searchlights

The Auckland marine electronics specialists Electrics Afloat Ltd (EAL) have released a "super-smart" remote control for the dual-headed Colorlight range of halogen (white light), UV (black light) and combination halogen/UV searchlights. The joystick control makes the searchlights particularly useful for search and rescue work and for ferries and superyachts as well as commercial and recreational vessels. The halogen lights can illuminate objects up to 4000 metres away and the powerful UV blacklights can pick up fluorescent objects and oil globules up to 1400 metres distant.

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The latest National Marine Manufacturers Association survey figures show 95 per cent of the powerboats owned in the United States are 26ft (7.9m) and below. The survey revealed 75 per cent of owners are individuals or families with an annual household income below $US100,000. New boat sales increased by more than $US820 million in 2005, up eight per cent over the previous year.

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In a campaign to reinforce its message of on-the-water excitement, Sea-Doo has launched a series of three short films.

"We are using Hollywood-style entertainment to bring home the fact that there is fun and adventure waiting aboard our personal water craft and sports boats," says Pierre Arsenault. The films are on sea-doofilms.com.

Water-Watch

Competition on the water this weekend includes:

Today: Winter series racing (Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron).

Tomorrow: Mid-winter Open Optimist Regatta (Kohimaramara Yacht Club); Winter series racing continues (Richmond YC and Panmure Y&BC).

Organisations planning events on or in the Waitemata or Manukau harbours should register in advance with the Auckland Regional Council on (09) 366 2000. The 24-hour response number for the ARC maritime unit is (09) 362 0397.