Tide lines: Classic regatta

The third annual New Zealand Classic Yacht Regatta, postponed from last week by bad weather, winds up this weekend. Competition began on Thursday from the fleet base at Motuihe Island. Today the yachts race from Motuihe to Rakino and back. Tomorrow the oldies sail en masse up the harbour to Auckland. Among them will be Waitangi (1894), Thelma (1895), Ethel (1806), Iorangi (1901) and Janet (1902).

Twin contest

Entries are now being received by the Manukau Cruising Club for the 2004 Twin Coast Fishing Contest. The best average weight fish landed during the contest on Saturday, March 27, will take out $20,000 worth of home improvements from Grove Mitre 10 in Onehunga. The charity contest runs on both the Waitemata and Manukau harbours with money raised going to the Parkinson's Disease Society.

Poker's new deal

The NZ Propeller/Swashbucklers 2004 Poker run, cancelled by bad weather on February 14, will now be held on March 27. Entries for the first date still stand and new entries will be taken up to Friday, March 19. Inquiries to doug@prop.co.nz

It's a boat

Jim Lott from the Maritime Safety Authority says the photo of the Alan Gibbs amphibious car featured on the front page of the Herald drew many inquiries from concerned boaters. He says on the road the Aquada is a car, in the water it's a boat and must comply with the marine regulations, including those regarding lifejackets, navigation lights and all other boating basics.

Water-watch

Serious competition is scheduled on the Waitemata this weekend. Main activity:

Saturday: Mystery Rally (Richmond YC); Printing Express series continues, 1.30 start (PCC); Round-Waiheke Challenge (Maraetai SC); Two-handed race (Weiti SC); Dirty Dog Regatta (Glendowie BC).

Saturday and Sunday: Single-handed weekend (BBYC); Flying 15 nationals (RAYC).

Sunday: Two-handed race (GHYC); Don Adams race (Panmure YBC).

* Clubs and organisations planning events in or on the Waitemata or Manukau harbours should register well in advance with the Auckland Regional Council Customer Service Centre on (09) 366 2000. The new 24-hour response number for the ARC maritime unit is (09) 362 0397.