Tide lines: Bridge barrier

The $2.2 million renovation of a 100-year-old schooner has been left stranded. Her masts were too high to go under a bridge on the river the Kathleen and May had to pass through for her sea trials. The masts are 26m and the bridge just 24m. Owner Steve Clarke is working on a system to lower the upper sections of the masts on the 33m schooner every time she has to put to sea on the River Torridge from her base at Bideford, Devon. Clarke has spent two years restoring the former coastal trader.

Seeing bigger

Billed as a huge advance in large-screen chartplotters, the GlobalMap 3000MT is the latest in the Lowrance Matrix series from Electronic Navigation. The GlobalMap 3000 features a high-definition display especially suited for craft with unshaded controls or for flying bridge installation. Easily visible, even in the brightest sunlight, it puts the sophisticated precision of a powerful GPS chartplotter within the reach of all sportfishing and pleasure craft.

Fun afloat

The National Marine Manufacturers' Association of the United States is taking to the road. Called Water Works Wonders, the mobile marketing tour is a two-pronged exercise. One aim is to introduce the joys of boating to those dreaming of getting afloat for the first time, and reintroducing watersports to those who have drifted back to shore. The tour will include advice from experts on fishing, wakeboarding, waterskiing, sailing and powerboat racing.

Ferretti buyout

The huge Italian Ferretti Group, builder of Ferretti, Riva, Pershing, Bertram, CRN, Custom Line and Mochi Craft brands, has signed an agreement to buy Apreamare S.p.A shipyards in Sorrento. The buyout will allow Ferretti to consolidate its leadership in the upper bracket of the luxury yacht market. The Sorrento yard was set up in 1998 to build traditional fishing boats from 7m to 12m capable of exceeding 30 knots.

The Ponsonby Cruising Club hosts the official on-the-water action this weekend.

Water watch

Saturday: Montana Steelers women's series final (PCC). Sunday: Logan winter series, all classes (PCC).