Tidelines: Time to switch distress beacons

Maritime New Zealand and the New Zealand Rescue Co-ordination Centre are urging all owners of 121.5MHz distress beacons to switch now to the new international standard digital 406MHz beacons which are owner-identified. The call comes after the high false alarm rate in January. Of the 30 activations detected by satellite last month, only three resulted in groups receiving search and rescue assistance. More information can be found on the beacons website link below. 

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Fourteen trackers rafting up for Mahurangi cruising weekend illustrate the growing appeal of the little cruiser/racer. The Tracker 7.7 Association has just signed its 50th member, a notable milestone for the entry-level keelboat that has just celebrated its 30th anniversary. Check the Yachting New Zealand website om the link below for more details.

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One of the competition highlights on the water this weekend is the New Zealand Etchells National Championships being sailed out of Gulf Harbour Yacht Club.

Other action includes:

Today: Auckland 40ft restricted championships (RNZYS); Lidgard Day 2, mullet boats (Ponsonby CC); Commodores Cup Round 4 (RNZYS); Cruising race to Kawau (RAYC); Passage race (Waitemata TYS); Round-Waiheke Challenge (Maraetai SC).

Today and tomorrow: Three-handed short course Gulf rally, Te Kouma, Kawau to Devonport (Devonport YC); Single-handed weekend (BBYC); Sunburst Auckland championships (Wakatere BC). TOMORROW: Summer harbour race (PCC); Senior classes regatta (Wakatere BC); Windward/leeward race (Up to 26 Club); SAHS two-man (Weiti BC).

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