Gulf Harbour Marina hosts a free mini boat show this weekend. Between 10am and 4pm today and tomorrow powerboats on display include Formula 4000, a Senior 14m, a Ron Given Cat 45 and a Robertson 45. For sail people the line-up includes Craddock, Jenneau, Grainger, Benneteau and the new Hunter33. The Coastguard will be there with a sausage sizzle, boat rides and safety messages.
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Catherine Taylor will be the new director/chief executive of Maritime New Zealand. She replaces Russell Kilvington, who is retiring in December. Maritime New Zealand chairwoman Susie Staley said the appointment came after an extensive international search. Taylor is a chartered accountant who has been involved with the transport sector since 1990. She held senior management positions at Wellington Airport and the Civil Aviation Authority before joining Maritime New Zealand two years ago. She takes up her new position on December 23.
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The internationally respected Fisher marine consulting group from the United States will be presenting a contract management course for the Navy in December. The company is also offering a special three-day course to Marine Industry Association members. It will cover project formation; negotiating, pricing and scheduling and project control. Details from Sarah Lyons at the association on (09) 360 0056.
Water-Watch
The biggest marine event in town this weekend is the Yachting New Zealand annual meeting and conference today and tomorrow. On the water the biggest event is the two-day opening weekend regatta at Takapuna Boating Club. Other action:
* Today: BJ Tyres Afternoon Blow-out (Bucklands Beach Yacht Club); Gold Cup 1 and Ice-Breaker (RAYC); Fistful O'Dollars (Torbay SC).
* Tomorrow: Season Sail-Past (Gulf Harbour CC); Opening Day (Kohimarama, Ponsonby and Wakatere clubs).
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.
