Tidelines: On show in the US

This country's booming marine industry will have a big presence at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat show, which runs from October 30 to November 3. Thirty-three New Zealand companies will exhibit there, which Marine Export Group executive director Lane Finley says is a 25 per cent increase on previous shows.

Organisers say more that US$1.6 billion ($2.7 billion) worth of motor boats, yachts, superyachts and marine accessories will be on display.

Dive spectacular

Maraetai Beach Boating Club puts the emphasis on underwater activity on Wednesday when it screens Wildblue, which has great footage of free diving and spear-fishing. Start time is 7pm and there is a $10 door charge that includes supper. Inquiries to Rhonda on (09) 536 6649 ext 2.

French flair

Two new designs from Beneteau are on the way to New Zealand - the Swift Trawler 42 and the Lagoon 380 catamaran.

The Lagoon yard is part of the giant Beneteau operation and is the smallest in the range. The Swift 42 is the first in a line of powerboats designed for long-distance passage-making. It will cruise in the mid-20 knot range. More details on Yachtfinders-Global

Water-watch

The Takapuna Boating Club will race the New Zealand Secondary Schools' Fleet Racing Regatta on Lake Pupuke from next Monday to Wednesday.

Weekend activity includes:

Saturday: Westhaven Yacht Club starts the annual dinghy race to Whitford from Turangi Creek, Potts Rd, at noon (WYC).

Saturday and Sunday: Auckland Etchells winter championships (BBYC).

Sunday: Manly Laser Icebreaker spring regatta (MSC); Fistful O'Dollars (Torbay SC).

* Clubs or organisations planning activity on the Waitemata or Manukau harbours should register with the Auckland Regional Council Enviroline on (09) 366 2070. The new 24-hour response number for the RC Maritime Unit is (09) 362 0397.