Vanda Carson 

THE automotive parts and accessories retailer Supercheap Auto has announced a third arm to its business, bicycle retailing.

The company announced yesterday it would buy the privately owned Victorian Goldcross Cycles and a slice of the wholesaler Australian Bicycles for $7.4 million, with the aim of expanding them into a chain of 50 stores in capital cities beyond Melbourne.

If profit targets are met, Supercheap will pay Goldcross an extra $3 million in August next year.

The deal also includes a half stake in Australian Bicycles, with an option to purchase the remainder of the company later. Both purchases were made from the bicycle retailer David Hall, who will retain a 50 per cent stake in the wholesale company.

Supercheap Auto’s managing director, Peter Birtles, said yesterday he did not expect Goldcross to make a positive earnings contribution until the 2010 fiscal year.

The retailer’s main car accessory business is positioned as a retail version of Repco, selling most of its goods to car enthusiasts.

Supercheap Auto already has 249 outlets selling car accessories and 48 selling boating and outdoor sporting goods to watersports enthusiasts and caravan hobbyists.

It plans to replicate its big box “category killer” formula in the bicycle market, with stores in shopping centres zoned for bulky goods or those with large floor areas.

The existing 11 Goldcross stores will expand to as many as 19 in the 2009 fiscal year, with new stores expected to produce a turnover of up to $3.5 million after three years.

Across car accessories and boating and fishing, the Supercheap stores sell both branded goods and an increasing number of “house brand” goods, many of which are sourced directly from Asia.

The purchase of the bicycle operations fits with its strategy to buy stores which specialise in leisure-related goods, but only those that do not yet have a leading specialist retailer.

Shares in the company closed 10c higher at $3.14 yesterday.

www.businessday.smh.com

LIVONIA, Mich., May 13 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — As of April 4, 2008, the Secretary of State reportsMichigan has more than 939,121 registered boats on file and Michigan State University estimates there are another 200,000 – 300,000 legally unregistered boats in the state. With more than one million recreational boats onMichigan lakes and rivers, it is clear that boating is a popular pastime. Annual boating statistics show that recreational boating is a very safe activity, and the boating accidents and fatalities that are reported each year are largely preventable. National Safe Boating Week, May 17 – 23, 2008, is a time during which we seek to raise awareness to improve safety and reduce accidents on ourMichigan waters. “Michigan boaters need to be commended on an admirable safety record; however, accidents still happen each year and even one is too many,” said Michigan Boating Industries Association President

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ (MDNR) reports show that through the years, boating accidents and fatalities inMichigan have declined steadily as boat registrations in this state have increased dramatically. There were 35 boating related fatalities in 2007 and according to the April, 2008, Secretary of State report, 939,121 registered boats on file (1 out of every 26,832 boaters) compared to 88 boating related fatalities inMichigan in 1967 with 385,124 registered boats on file (1 out of every 4,376 boaters). “Even though 2007 fatalities increased from 29 (2006) to 35 in 2007, the number of vessels involved in accidents decreased from 284 (2006) to 253 in 2007, and alcohol use in accidents dropped from 36 (2006) to 28 in 2007 – both positive trends,” said Snider.

Across the Nation, and inMichigan, many groups are working to teach recreational boaters how they can make boating safer and more enjoyable. These include the U.S. Coast Guard, the Coast Guard Auxiliary, the U.S. Power Squadron, the MDNR’s Law Enforcement Division, the National Safe Boating Council, the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators, local Sheriff’s Marine Divisions, manyMichigan boat dealers and BoatUS. These groups recommend that boaters get boat safety checks, ensure that boats are properly maintained, take safe boating classes, be aware of homeland security issues, always wear a life jacket, and never operate a boat under the influence of alcohol or drugs. “Education and action are important,” said Snider. “By taking a boating safety course, wearing a personal floatation device (PFD) and acting responsibly, recreational boaters can reduce the risk of accidents and increase their level of enjoyment on the water.”

The MBIA is a state-wide trade association representing the recreational boating industry inMichigan. The MBIA membership is comprised of businesses which manufacture, distribute, service and sell recreational marine products. This includes facilities such as boat dealerships, various types of marine retail stores, marinas, boat yards, boat and accessory manufacturers, distributors and service companies. The MBIA also produces the Detroit Boat Show at Cobo Center inDetroit and the Spring Boating Expo at the Rock Financial Showplace inNovi, Michigan.

www.newsblaze.com

By Mercury News

The Santa Clara Valley Water District will temporarily ban boating on all its reservoirs, directors decided in a 4-3 vote today.

The ban will run until at least May 23, the beginning of the Memorial Day weekend. The agency hopes to develop a plan by then that would allow them to inspect all boats for the quagga mussel, an invasive species infiltrating the state’s waterways.

The mussel clings to hard surfaces – such as boats and anchors – allowing it to spread from county to county. Officials believe the mussel first entered to the United States from Russia or the Ukraine in the late 1980s. It arrived in California last year and was recently found in the San Justo Reservoir in San Benito County.

The mussel can clog pipes and jam boat motors.

The mussel has not yet appeared in Santa Clara County, and officials are trying to prevent its arrival. An inspection plan is still being developed, and it’s unclear how much the district would charge boaters for such a program. Santa Clara County Executive Pete Kutras has suggested $7 per inspection, but agency officials today warned that it could be higher.

www.mercurynews.com

By Mercury News

The Santa Clara Valley Water District will temporarily ban boating on all its reservoirs, directors decided in a 4-3 vote today.

The ban will run until at least May 23, the beginning of the Memorial Day weekend. The agency hopes to develop a plan by then that would allow them to inspect all boats for the quagga mussel, an invasive species infiltrating the state’s waterways.

The mussel clings to hard surfaces – such as boats and anchors – allowing it to spread from county to county. Officials believe the mussel first entered to the United States from Russia or the Ukraine in the late 1980s. It arrived in California last year and was recently found in the San Justo Reservoir in San Benito County.

The mussel can clog pipes and jam boat motors.

The mussel has not yet appeared in Santa Clara County, and officials are trying to prevent its arrival. An inspection plan is still being developed, and it’s unclear how much the district would charge boaters for such a program. Santa Clara County Executive Pete Kutras has suggested $7 per inspection, but agency officials today warned that it could be higher.

www.mercurynews.com

A search for a missing boater ended yesterday afternoon when the body of a 29-year-old woman from Gatineau was pulled from Lake McGregor. The woman had been canoeing with her partner, a 39-year-old man from Gatineau, when the boat tipped at 1:30 a.m. yesterday. The man was able to swim to shore, but the woman did not make it. Her body was found yesterday afternoon. MRC des Collines police said the couple were not wearing life-jackets. Police believe alcohol was a factor and an autopsy is expected. No names were released.

www.canada.com

TOMS RIVER – The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 16-06 is holding state approved and USCG authorized safe boating sessions this spring. Attending the course meets state requirements for obtaining a required safe boating certificate issued by the state police.

The one day sessions are available on April 19, May 17 and June 21. Sessions are from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Cattus Island Park.

The fee is $60 and includes a CD and instruction book as well as coffee, buns and lunch.

Anyone wishing to attend a session can register by calling 732-244-7906 or 732-255- 6585.

www.tomsrivertimes.com

U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 2-5 of Hartwell and Keowee lakes is offering free vessel safety checks to the public.

From now until May 1, qualified vessel examiners will visit people’s home docks on Hartwell and Keowee lakes to perform the safety checks. A check typically lasts roughly 15 minutes per boat.

Examiners also will be able to visit homes along the same two lakes to inspect a boat even if a boat owner does not own a dock. The inspection insures that a vessel is in compliance with all federal and state — Georgia or South Carolina — boating regulations.

No citations will be issued in relation to a vessel that does not pass inspection.

For more information or to schedule a safety check, contact David Haus by e-mail at pegndave@charter.net or by calling (864) 225-9307.

www.independentmail.com

By Becky Shetler 

With Pittsburgh smack in the middle of three rivers, it is imperative that area boaters obey the rules of the waterways.

The Unites States Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 7-8 is holding a 

boating course in Crafton this weekend.

The course, titled “America’s Boating Course,” is set for this Saturday at the Craftonian Hall on Division Street.

The course will be offered from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., and the cost is $30 (including lunch).”America’s Boating Course” is a joint project between the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary and the United States Power Squadrons.

The auxiliary itself is totally volunteer, composed of civilian members, and it has been in existence since 1939.

The non-profit organization specializes in search and rescue, public education, vessel examinations and examinations of privately owned vessels. Flotilla 7-8 is an individual unit within the auxiliary.

Jim Feeny, of Coraopolis, who will be teaching the upcoming class, is an instructor and vessel examiner for the Flotilla division 7-8, which is based on the Beaver River.

Feeny, originally of Chicago, started boating in 1947 on Lake Michigan. He moved to Coraopolis in 1966.

The beginner class offers the knowledge needed to obtain a boat license or safety certification in many states, including Pennsylvania.

Many boat insurance companies will offer discounts on boating insurance to boaters who successfully complete the course.

Feeny, who obtained his instructor certification in 1993, has instructed classes of 20 to 60 people in various areas, including the marina in Glenfield and local schools. Flotilla 7-8’s area of responsibility is from Sewickley down to Steubenville, Ohio.

“We teach the ‘Rules of the Road,’” Feeny said.

“There are traffic signals and signs on the rivers and this is what we teach the people. We also teach people how to go through the locks. You can’t go into the chamber unless you have a line. The lock tender has to let you in.”

The boat and water safety course topics include boating law, boat safety equipment, safe boating and navigation.

By law, anyone born since Jan. 1, 1982 needs to obtain a boating safety education certificate issued by Pennsylvania’s Fish and Boat Commission in order to operate anything with more than 25 horsepower or any wave runner, jet ski, or personal watercraft.

Anyone born before that date, still needs a certificate, but only if they are going to operate a personal watercraft.

“People need the basic knowledge of boating,” Feeny said.

A second “America’s Boating” course is scheduled for April 26 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at the Craftonian Hall.

To register for either upcoming class or for further information, contact Jim Feeny at 412-269-1892.

www.gatewaynewspapers.com

 By Becky Shetler

With Pittsburgh smack in the middle of three rivers, it is imperative that area boaters obey the rules of the waterways.

The Unites States Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 7-8 is holding a boating course in Crafton this weekend.

The course, titled “America’s Boating Course,” is set for this Saturday at the Craftonian Hall on Division Street.

The course will be offered from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., and the cost is $30 (including lunch).

“America’s Boating Course” is a joint project between the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary and the United States Power Squadrons.

The auxiliary itself is totally volunteer, composed of civilian members, and it has been in existence since 1939.

The non-profit organization specializes in search and rescue, public education, vessel examinations and examinations of privately owned vessels. Flotilla 7-8 is an individual unit within the auxiliary.

Jim Feeny, of Coraopolis, who will be teaching the upcoming class, is an instructor and vessel examiner for the Flotilla division 7-8, which is based on the Beaver River.

Feeny, originally of Chicago, started boating in 1947 on Lake Michigan. He moved to Coraopolis in 1966.

The beginner class offers the knowledge needed to obtain a boat license or safety certification in many states, including Pennsylvania.

Many boat insurance companies will offer discounts on boating insurance to boaters who successfully complete the course.

Feeny, who obtained his instructor certification in 1993, has instructed classes of 20 to 60 people in various areas, including the marina in Glenfield and local schools. Flotilla 7-8’s area of responsibility is from Sewickley down to Steubenville, Ohio.

“We teach the ‘Rules of the Road,’” Feeny said.

“There are traffic signals and signs on the rivers and this is what we teach the people. We also teach people how to go through the locks. You can’t go into the chamber unless you have a line. The lock tender has to let you in.”

The boat and water safety course topics include boating law, boat safety equipment, safe boating and navigation.

By law, anyone born since Jan. 1, 1982 needs to obtain a boating safety education certificate issued by Pennsylvania’s Fish and Boat Commission in order to operate anything with more than 25 horsepower or any wave runner, jet ski, or personal watercraft.

Anyone born before that date, still needs a certificate, but only if they are going to operate a personal watercraft.

“People need the basic knowledge of boating,” Feeny said.

A second “America’s Boating” course is scheduled for April 26 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at the Craftonian Hall.

To register for either upcoming class or for further information, contact Jim Feeny at 412-269-1892.

www.gatewaynewspapers.com

By Penny Robins 

NSW High School students can now obtain their boating licence and learn crucial safety techniques at school.

State boating regulator NSW Maritime now recognises a marine studies course taught through NSW high schools as appropriate to obtain a licence to drive a powerboat.

This agreement between NSW Maritime and the Marine Teachers Association of NSW builds upon efforts to raise safety standards across the State’s waterways.

This maritime education initiative follows on from NSW Maritime’s offer of free Water Safety Activity booklets to primary school students statewide.

The Marine Teachers Association of NSW has developed a suitable marine studies course, has appropriate licence test questions in the assessment phase and includes a practical component.

The high school course incorporates NSW Maritime’s Safe Boating Course which is compulsory for all those wishing to sit for a boat driver’s licence test.

Under the agreement, marine teachers in more than 120 NSW high schools can now provide the marine studies course to students from years 7 to 12. It is expected that 8,000 students will undertake the course each year.

NSW Maritime will accept a certificate of completion of the course as satisfying both the compulsory Boating Safety Course requirement and the general boat licence test.

A general boat licence (or young adult general boat licence for those under the age of 16 years) will be provided to students upon presentation of the certificate and payment of the boat licence fee.

www.yachte.com