The National Maritime Museum is highlighting a vital aspect of marine history with the New Zealand Lighthouses exhibition, on from this weekend until July 29. More than 1000 shipwrecks were recorded in the first 50 years of colonial settlement. The first lighthouse, at Pencarrow Head, at the entrance to Wellington
Harbour, was erected in 1859. The exhibition tells the stories of the intrepid keepers and their families, with continuous film footage of the lighthouse era.
Buddy success
Bay of Islands-based Guardian Marine has broken into the French market with its Anchor Buddy system. Sales manager Ruth West says it has been represented at the London and Paris boat shows, METS in Amsterdam and the Miami International exhibition. It now has distributors in Britain, the United States, Australia and Canada.
Inflatables rate
Two inflatable boat brands have for the first time made the Top 20 most popular searches on online marketplace boats.com. Zodiac ranked fourth and Avon 11th as boaters realise the stability, buoyancy and fuel efficiency of inflatables apply as much to recreational as to professional use.
Seawind here
New South Wales catamaran builder Seawind has expanded into the United States and New Zealand. Auckland-based charter group Sunsail will represent the company in this part of the South Pacific.
Water-watch
The Young 88 Auckland championships will be sailed out of the Royal Akarana Yacht Club this weekend. Other activity:
Saturday: First leg, two-handed, three-legged race (BBYC); Printing Express mullet boat, series 7, Mark Foy (PCC); Auckland boys' and girls' championships (MBSC and KYC).
Saturday and Sunday: Ross 930 national championships (PCC).
Sunday: Second and third legs, two-handed, three-legged race (BBYC); Centennial regatta (RYC); Flying 15 sprint racing (RAYC).
* Clubs and organisations planning activity on the Waitemata or Manukau Harbours should register with the Auckland Regional Council Enviroline on 09 366 2070
