On-water action adds to Auckland On Water Boat Show

by Kate Gordon-Smith on 28 Sep 2013
This weekend’s Auckland On Water Boat Show has a new feature – on-water action from powerboats and stand-up paddleboard racers.

Scheduled for Saturday afternoon during the show’s four day run from 26 to 29 September, two classes of powerboat – thundercats and junior powerboats – will run a series of demonstration races on a course to the west of the Viaduct Events Centre, north of North Wharf. After the powerboat races, in Viaduct Harbour, up to 60 participants were contest a series of stand-up paddleboard races.

Auckland On Water Boat Show CEO Michelle Khan says: 'Designed to showcase the competitive, sporting side of boating, we’re delighted the NZ Powerboat Federation and a number of their racing 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 running from 12.30 pm on Saturday will be fun and safe.

'The stand-up paddleboard races starting, at 3pm Saturday, involve with heats, two semi-finals and a final race. 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,' Khan says.

The on-water activities are intended to provide an additional form of entertainment at the 15th edition of the event formerly called the Auckland International Boat Show.

The best viewing for the powerboat races in the harbour in front of North Wharf will be on the west side of the Viaduct Events Centre. The best viewing for the paddleboard races will be from inside the show, requiring ticket access, on the wharf beside the events centre.

If the powerboat and paddleboard races can’t take place on Saturday due to weather conditions, they will be rescheduled for the same times on Sunday.

This year’s show also features 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 to win one of two places in a rum race on Steinlager 2 among the variety of activities on offer.

Khan adds: 'The 2013 edition of the Auckland On Water Boat Show is on course to create a fantastic showcase of New Zealand’s recreational on-water sector with more than 90 vessels on the water and dozens more in and around the Viaduct Events Centre and more than 180 exhibitors featuring the best, newest marine products and services for New Zealand boaties of all persuasions.'

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.