Auckland boaties set for biggest on-water boat show in town

With more than 90 sail and motor yachts moored beside Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour, this weekend’s Auckland On Water Boat Show showcases the latest new boats and marine equipment for boating enthusiasts Auckland-wide.

The show’s late September dates make it a great venue for those looking to update or refresh their boat before the popular boating months of summer, says Auckland On Water Boat Show CEO Michelle Khan.

“Whether you’re looking to update safety equipment, navigation or radio technology, get your boat’s motor serviced or replaced, or update your own knowledge with a relevant training course, you will find a great range of marine industry specialists at this year’s show.”

Khan says: “More than 180 marine-oriented businesses with the latest and best products and services for powerboat users, sailors, fishermen, kayakers, PWC riders, launch owners, and paddle-boarders are present at this year’s show which opens this Thursday, 26 September, and runs through until Sunday 29 September.”

The Auckland On Water Boat Show is the only boating expo in New Zealand which enables boaties to see and go aboard a range of vessels on land and on the water during the event.

“There are dozens of boats in and around the Viaduct Events Centre – from fun, easy to sail little yachts like the Weta trimaran to a full range of aluminium and composite trailer powerboats from New Zealand’s best-known boat builders like Tristram Marine, Haines Hunter, Rayglass and Image Boats.

“Larger vessels – sail and motor – are moored around the purpose-built marina offering the opportunity to go aboard and compare different models from Arvor Boats, Back Cove, Caribbean, McLay Boats, Jeanneau, Sealegs, White Power and many more.”

A free seminar series covering nine topics – from DIY tips for powerboat engine maintenance to learning to sail – runs both Saturday and Sunday of this year’s show.

Saturday’s schedule also includes powerboat and paddleboard demonstration races. Two classes of powerboat – thundercats and junior powerboats - will use a course to the west of the Viaduct Events Centre, north of North Wharf.

“Designed to showcase the competitive, sporting side of boating, we’re delighted the NZ Powerboat Federation and a number of competitors will make the most of the opportunity to bring their sport to the central city for us all to enjoy. With speed limited to 30 km/h, the demonstration races will be fun and safe,” Khan notes.

Running in the Viaduct Harbour, the stand-up paddleboard races will involve up to 60 participants contesting a series of heats, two semi-finals and a final later on Saturday afternoon. Paddleboards and paddles are provided by event organiser Neil Pollett, of Flux Stand Up Paddleboards, and a portion of every entry fee will support the work of the Watercare Harbour Clean-Up Trust.

With a range of competitions and prize draws from show exhibitors, the chance to win a week’s yacht charter holiday in Tonga with The Moorings for completing the show visitor survey and the opportunity to test your strength and speed on a ‘grinder’ with the New Zealand Sailing Trust among the variety of activities on offer, this year’s Auckland On Water Boat Show is on course to create a fantastic showcase of New Zealand’s recreational on-water sector.

The 2013 Auckland On Water Boat Show opens at 10am each day and closes at 6pm Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and 5pm on Sunday. Tickets are available online from iTicket.co.nz with a discounted price of $18 for an adult day pass purchased online. An adult day pass at the gate is $20. Children 15 years of age or younger are free of charge. See www.auckland-boatshow.com for full details or find the show on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/OnWaterBoatShow.