<I>Tidelines:</I>Televised tours

23 May, 2003 01:10 AM2 mins to read

The company that pioneered televised marine industry tours at this year's Miami Boat Show is repeating the exercise with a summer boating review of the Annapolis waterfront on July 1. The Miami programme was fed into CNN Headline News and included direct feeds to 20 local TV stations across the country. The Annapolis programme will concentrate on new boats and equipment in what is being regarded by the industry as a vital new sales tool.

Fighting friction

Developed by Renan Biro, a member of the family that gave the world the ballpoint pen, comes A9, an oil treatment that reduces friction in inboard and outboard engines. A9 works by creating a remnant film on all working surfaces once the engine temperature reaches 43C. The system will be introduced to New Zealand at the Boat Show beginning in Auckland on Thursday.

Boating campaign

The Boat Owners' Association of the United States third National Boating and Fishing Week runs from July 1 to 8. Designed to introduce families to a wide range of aquatic activity, the promotion includes free boat rides, casting clinics, youth fishing days, regattas, racing in home-built boats, cruising on classic craft and sport fishing camps. The week is sponsored by marine-related businesses, retailers, non-profit recreational agencies and state and local government organisations.

Yamaha power

The Viaduct Harbour company Ocean Rafting has introduced a new thrill ride powered by three 200hp Saltwater Series Yamaha two-stroke outboards. The new "raft" is a 12m Protector RIB that will carry 28 passengers. Company chief Mark Cleave says the boat will complement the two existing boats powered by twin Yamaha outboards.

Water-Watch

More winter series racing is the focus of club competition this weekend.

Saturday: winter series continues (RNZYS).

Sunday: winter shorthanded series continues (RYC); two-handed winter series starts (RAYC).

* Clubs or organisations planning activity on the Waitemata or Manukau harbours should register with the Auckland Regional Council Enviroline on 09 366 2070.