Tide Lines: Women afloat

The Dale Greenbury psychology of sailing seminar Wise Women at Sea will be held on March 16 and 17. The workshops encourage women to go to sea for themselves, not just to tag along at the behest of male partners. Greenbury says the idea is to help women to cope with anxieties they feel about boating, whether offshore, coastal or harbour cruising. Inquiries to (09) 416 8773.

Poker Run 2002

February 16 is the date for this year's New Zealand Propeller magazine Poker Run. The course has been shortened and starts off Northern Leading Light and rounds the top end of Waiheke before the first card stop at Rakino. From there it is off to Kawau and a lunch stop at Pah Farm. From Kawau it is back to Auckland, with a new finish line so as not to get mixed up in the Road to the America's Cup regatta. Entry information from (09) 309 5947 or e-mail barry@prop.co.nz.

Surfing PWCs

In the early days there were reels and rope tethered to a strong swimmer or a muscular surfboat crew. Then came outboard-powered IRBs that soon became the surf lifesaving method of choice. Now Queensland is completing a summer trial of six Yamaha XL700 PWCs as the latest rescue aid. Aucklander Matt Yallop, lifeguard development officer for the Surf Lifesaving Northern Region, says PWCs were first tested here in 1992. He would be happy to organise a trial of the newer, more powerful models.

Water Watch

120 boats have entered the Maraetai Sailing Club's Round-Waiheke race today. Three divisions of trailer-sailers start from 8.30 am followed by three divisions of keelers before the multi-hulls start at 10.15. Best spot for spectators is from the end of Omana beach. Other action: Saturday and Sunday: Sail Auckland Olympic classes and Optimists Saturday: Cruising race and small keeler regatta (RYC); Cruising race (DYC); Printing Express race and Steeler Hauraki Gulf challenge (PCC); 70-mile Gulf race (Weiti); Harbour race (VCC).

* Clubs and organisations planning activity on or in the water of either the Waitemata or Manukau harbours should register with the Auckland Regional Council Enviroline on 0800 80 60 40.