Auckland On Water Boat Show - Family summer fun starts next Thursday

by Isla McKechnie on 17 Sep 2014 Auckland On Water Boat Show 2014 - There’ll be plenty to explore in the Viaduct Harbour when it plays host to nearly 200 exhibiting companies and over 200 boats, at the Auckland On Water Boat Show from the 25 – 28 September.

The Auckland On Water Boat Show kicks off next Thursday and this year’s edition is a bumper event for the family to explore.

Organisers have brought a slice of New Zealand’s maritime history to the show with the addition of Steinlager 2 in the marina. The only yacht to win all six legs of the Whitbread Round the World Race, ‘Big Red’ is famous for her exploits with Sir Peter Blake and his crew and forms a part of New Zealand’s seafaring legend. She’ll be on display at the show thanks to the NZ Sailing Trust and available to get onboard to see this famous yacht up close, encouraging the next generation of explorers and adventurers to take to the seas.

If you’ve got a junior sailor with their eyes on the prize, head upstairs to the Marine Events Centre for a group of sailing displays from the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, Yachting New Zealand, the Volvo Ocean Race and the Sir Peter Blake Trust. There’ll be a chance to view trophies as well as speak to some of the nation’s sailing stars. Just next door, at 2.30pm on Saturday and Sunday there’ll also be learn to sail seminars held by Yachting New Zealand to turn that inspiration into forward momentum for the summer.

For families looking for engine-powered fun over summer, make your way to Kawasaki’s stand to view the new Ultra 310X. This clever Jet Ski is equipped with a smart onboard computer system which includes eco and no wake-zone modes, cruise control and has additional safety features like Kawasaki Smart Steering and high and low power modes to cater for all competencies. It’s also a three seater, so there’s lots of space for family adventures and it has enough pace to keep the adults entertained when they want to go for a blast.

And speaking of blasts, there’ll be plenty of boat models at the show to take you for trials if you’re looking for a new family boat. Kids will be fascinated by Sealegs amphibious ‘walking’ boats, while Blackdog Cat’s hardy aluminium trailer boats will be whipping visitors around the harbour, demonstrating why they make perfect fishing or sport vessels.

On Saturday, make sure you’ve got a spot next to the Viaduct for a bird’s eye view of a Guinness World Record attempt taking place. Lancer Industries have created a twenty metre long stand up paddle board to try and beat the world record for the most people ever on an SUP. We’re aiming for 52 people to paddle the length of the Viaduct and the attempt will raise funds for the Child Cancer Foundation.

Over on Lusty & Blundells’ stand they’ve got a new addition to the EPIRB family particularly suited to children. Ocean Signal’s compact rescueME EPIRB1 is the world’s most compact emergency positioning indicating radio beacon and has been created specifically for New Zealand and Australian boaties.

The show collects everything recreational boaters and industry alike need for their time on the water. Don’t miss the chance to talk to marine industry experts before you make your next on-water purchase this coming summer.

Details
Thursday 25 – Saturday 28 September
Show Hours: Thurs-Sat 10am-6pm, Sunday 10am-5pm Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour Tickets from iTicket.co.nz
Single day passes $18 early bird price.
Two $1000 prizes given away each day to early bird purchasers
Seven day Tongan charter for two to be won from The Moorings.
Free seminar programme Saturday and Event website