KEY POINTS:
The organising team has begun taking entries for the 2007 Auckland Anniversary Regatta. Its 167th birthday on January 29 will see everything from the latest racers to tugs and workboats on the water. The parade of power, by both historic and working tugs, will add a different flavour to the event. Organising committee chairman Eric Henry says the programme will start at 9am as the growing fleet of classic yachts sails from the Viaduct Harbour to Orakei Wharf. Entry forms and racing details on website link below or phone 0800 734 2882.
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Boat Books has organised a meet-the-authors function and book signing at the Ponsonby Cruising Club on Tuesday from 6pm. Marine writers confirmed are Sandra Gorter and Aroha Tercel, Ranger; David Thatcher, Hauraki Gulf and Northland atlases; John Wellsford, Backyard Boatbuilder; Bob McDavitt, Mariners Metpack; Mike Scanlan, Safety in Small Craft and Coastal Navigation; Penny Whiting, Sailing With Penny; Lin and Larry Pardey, Care and Feeding of Sailing Crew and DVDs; Bruce Duncan and Mark Airey, Fishing Guide, North Cape to Stewart Island. The bar will be open to get guests into buying mood and help boost club funds. For more information call (09) 358 5691.
Water-Watch
The 420 New Zealand selection trials begin today at Takapuna Boating Club and run through until Tuesday. Other activities:
Today: B J Tyres Afternoon Blow-out (Buckland's Beach YC); Two-handed Round-Waiheke race (Devonport YC); Wakatere Junior Regatta (Wakatere BC).
Tomorrow: His & Hers Club Christmas Harbour Race (Ponsonby CC).
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.
