POWERBOATS & FISHING
Zapcats are overpowered, underweight and about to explode onto a waterway near you. Originally designed as surf rescue boats, Zapcats have become a huge success in the UK and Europe as speed-crazed enthusiasts of all ages compete in shore and lake based race circuits. The tight turning, inflatable Zapcat is now being distributed in Australia by Sirocco Marine and an affordable racing circiut that's big on thrills and spills, but light on the wallet is expected to develop in Australia. More here.
Quintrex's 610 Tournament is designed to fulfill the needs of serious fishermen. Built with the Millennium Hull and Flared Bow, the 610 Tournament is able to cut through rough water with ease, keeping passengers safe and dry. More here.
Stacer's 489 and 529 Northern Fisher Centre Console Models from their Nomad range have been designed for fisherman in the top end, offering an economic boating solution while satisfying the needs of keen fisherman. More here.
An amazing array of Sea Ray models will be on display at the Sydney International Boat Show from 30 July to 3 August, from the 175 Sport, an energetic, entry-level speedster, through to the 18-metre, teak-floored 55 Sundancer. More here.
In the middle of an economic downturn not many boat businesses are expanding, but Andrew Short Marine, the International Sea Ray Dealer of the Year (2004, 2005, 2006, 2008), is expanding across the road at The Spit in Sydney. More here.
Situated in the upper Hunter Valley within the lush green foothills of the Barrington Ranges, the Glenbawn Dam is one of the most scenic and best freshwater fishing spots in NSW. The dam supports a diverse recreational fishery containing both inland and coastal species and is considered to be one of the premier bass fisheries of the State. More here.
NEWS BRIEFS
The Cruising Yacht Club of Australia launches its annual Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Trusts Raffle with the major prize of a cruise for two onboard the Queen Victoria, sailing from Sydney to Fremantle, departing on 20 February 2010. The package also includes one night post cruise accommodation in Perth and airfares from Perth to Sydney, supplied by EseaCruising.com. More here.
Darling Harbour is gearing up to play host to the Sydney International Boat Show from 30 July – 3 August. A unique collection of famous and historic boats will be on display. More here.
MARINE INDUSTRY
NSW Ports and Waterways Minister Joe Tripodi said reforms aimed at streamlining commercial boating licence requirements will make it easier for people to find work in the maritime industry. More here.
Australia's largest production boat builder, Riviera, will cease distributing Princess and Grand Banks yachts in Australia and New Zealand in order to focus on the Riviera brand. More here.
FORTHCOMING EVENTS
July 2 - 6 -- Melbourne Boat Show, Melbourne Exhibition Centre. Melbourneboatshow.com.au
July 4 – 5 -- Australian Offshore Powerboat Championship Round 6, Townsville, Queensland. Aopc.com.au
July 12 – 26 -- A junior naturalist workshop week and a discover Mr Darwin holiday program will be conducted during the winter school holidays at the Australian National Maritime Museum, Darling Harbour, Sydney. More here.
July 16 - 19 -- Adelaide Boat Show, Adelaide Convention Centre. Adelaideboatshow.com.au
July 30 - Aug 3 -- Sydney International Boat Show, Darling Harbour. Sydneyboatshow.com.au
Aug 1 - Whale season in Hervey Bay officially starts with the blessing of the Whale Watching Fleet.
Aug 6 – 21 -- Festival Cairns - Telling Our Stories.
Aug 7 – 12 -- Inaugural Moreton Bay Classic fishing tournament, conducted by the Moreton Bay Trailer Boat Club. Anyone can enter the Classic, the first of its type to be held in Brisbane. The event offers the chance to win a marina berth worth $132,000, a Suzuki car, a CruiseCraft boat and heaps of cash and other prizes. More here.
Aug 8 - Hervey Bay Whale Festival
August 12 - 16 -- Perth International Boat Show, Perth Convention Exhibition Centre. Perthboatshow.com.au
August 28 - 31 -- Brisbane International Boat Show, Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre. Brisbaneboatshow.com.au
Sep 12 – 13 -- Australian Offshore Powerboat Championship Round 7, Redcliff, Queensland Aopc.com.au
Sep 19 – 20 --Australian Offshore Powerboat Championship Round 8, Gold Coast, Queensland Aopc.com.au
Oct 8 – 11 – Mandurah Boat Show, Mandurah Ocean Marina. Mandurahboatshow.com
Oct 17 - 18 -- Darwin Boat & Leisure Show, Darwin Convention Centre. Darwinboatshow.com.au
Photograph courtesy of Zapcat-racing.com