Tidelines: Voice stilled

Boating people throughout the Hauraki Gulf are mourning the death of George Mason, who founded and ran the popular Great Barrier Radio service. With a repeater on top of the island, Channel 01 linked people all over the outer gulf. George was ever helpful in relaying messages, organising spare parts, service and advice for boaters with a problem. His trip report service also provided a friendly voice on long and lonely voyages down the coast and was a vital search and rescue component. A special Fuller's trip took Auckland mourners to his funeral service at Whangaparapara on Thursday. He will be missed.

Classic regatta

Entries are being registered for the 2004 New Zealand Classic Yacht Regatta. Billed as the biggest gathering of classic yachts in the Southern Hemisphere, the regatta will run from February 19 to 24 and for the first time will include classic launches. The regatta starts with a race from Downtown Auckland to Motuihe Island, which will be the base for the event. Entry details from Joyce Talbot on (09) 836 4747 or email joycetalbot@classicyacht.org.nz

Water watch

Lots of club cruising as well as serious sailing is scheduled for this weekend. The main activity includes:

Saturday: Auckland Tanner Cup trials (Kohimarama YC); Club championships, harbour course (RNZYS); Cruise to Waikalabubu (Devonport YC); Cruising race (PCC); Cruising weekend to Kawau (BBYC); Old Fox 2, including boating skills to Te Whau, Putiki (NE) or (SW) Owhanake (Westhaven YC); Cruising race to Rakino (RAYC); Annual trailer yacht BBQ picnic to Motuihe (WTYS); Cruising series to Rakino (Weiti BC); Cruising race (Gulf Harbour YC).

Saturday and Sunday: Rally to Waiheke, classics (CYA); Shorthanded classes regatta, Y88 two-handed and Farr 10.20 (RAYC); Sir Peter Blake Memorial Regatta, including Olympic classes (Torbay SC).

Sunday: Return races from Kawau (Panmure YBC and BBYC).

* Clubs and organisations planning events in or on the Waitemata or Manukau harbours should register well in advance with the Auckland Regional Council Enviroline on (09) 360 2070. The new 24-hour response number for the ARC maritime unit is (09) 362 0397.