Valuable information from free seminars at Auckland On Water Boat Show

by Kate Gordon-Smith on 24 Sep 2013
This weekend the Auckland On Water Boat Show is a fantastic place for those new to boating to learn from a range of experts.

A 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 which takes place in Auckland’s Viaduct Events Centre and the surrounding Viaduct Harbour.

'The line-up of expert speakers are ready and willing to answer any questions you have,' says Michelle Khan, CEO of the Auckland On Water Boat Show.

'It’s going to be interesting to hear from the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron about the road to the America’s Cup at 1.30pm on Saturday and Sunday. The America’s Cup regatta always sparks incredible innovation, rivalry and controversy and the 2013 edition is no different!' Khan says.

'We’re also looking forward to some great fishing tips from the team at Sailors Corner, speaking at midday both days of the weekend. They’ll also share their insights into the usefulness of The Boating Map (www.theboatingmap.co.nz), an interactive, online information portal available as a free resource for all Kiwi boaties.

'If you’ve ever wondered about a yacht charter as a holiday option for your family or a group of friends, make sure you come along at 3pm to hear from Brenda Hood from The Moorings, the yacht charter experts with power or sail boat charters available in 27 destinations around the world.'

The other topics covered are: the latest electronic innovations from Matthew Hooper of Navico which represents Lowrance, Simrad and B&G in the New Zealand market; preparing your boat for cruising from the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron; learning to sail from the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron; off-shore racing from the Royal Akarana Yacht Club; and the opportunities which flow from completing a marine industry apprenticeship from the field officers of the NZ Marine Industry Training Organisation.

Entry to the seminars is included in the ticket price for entry to the show. The seminars are scheduled to start at 11.30am and running continuously through to 4pm on Saturday and Sunday. Each seminar session is 30 minutes in length with the next session starting immediately after the previous one.

New Zealand’s largest on-water boat show runs from Thursday 26 September to Sunday 29 September and features over two hundred boats of all sizes, including more than 90 on the water, all easily accessible from the purpose-built marina. Alongside the sail and power boats is a vast range of marine-related products and services – from stand-up paddleboards and kayaks to fishing gear, navigational equipment, marine electronics and stereos, safety equipment, wet weather gear and clothing, paint finishes, engines and more.

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.

The full seminar schedule is:
11.30am - Powerboat engine maintenance, Whiting Power Systems
The Whiting Power team know engines, everything from care, maintenance and installation: what to do and not to do. Take the time to get helpful tips from the experts.

12.00pm - Fishing Tips and The Boating Map, Sailors Corner
The Sailors Corner fishing team know fishing! For fishing tips, ideas and hints, include this seminar into your plans for the show.

12.30pm - World-leading electronic innovations - Mathew Hooper, Navico (Lowrance, Simrad and B&G)
The next generation of innovations from the world’s leading marine electronics manufacturer are again raising the industry benchmark.

1.00pm - Preparing your boat for cruising - Joe Goddard, General Manager, Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron
Thinking about your summer voyage or maybe interested in making a voyage off-shore? This informative seminar will provide some very helpful tips and resources that will make your next cruising adventure safe and fun for everyone.

1.30pm - Learn to sail - Penny Whiting, Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron
Interested in learning to sail or brush up your sailing skills? This session is for you.

2.00pm - The road to the America’s Cup – Ron Dickson, Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron
This regatta is always innovative, controversial and intense. New Zealand is at the forefront of this international sailing regatta, come along and hear some of the stories of New Zealand’s journey.

2.30pm - Off-shore racing, Royal Akarana Yacht Club
ANZ Sail Fiji is proudly hosted by Royal Akarana Yacht Club, the home of blue water sailing since 1895. RAYC has a long and well respected offshore racing history and the Auckland to Fiji race is a signature event of the club. Come along to find out more.

3.00pm - Yacht charter holidays, Brenda Hood – The Moorings
New to yacht charter? The Moorings offers you fantastic options out on the water, whatever your boating experience. Everyone can enjoy sail or power boat charters with The Moorings at any of our 27 destinations around the world. Join us to learn how to select your perfect yachting holiday with The Moorings.

3.30pm - Marine industry apprenticeships ... more than just a job!
NZ Marine Industry Training Organisation Field Officers explain the ways to become an apprentice in the New Zealand marine industry. Graduates are nationally recognised as fully-qualified tradespeople by the NZ Marine Industry through the NZ Certificate in Boatbuilding issued by NZQA. In addition, thanks to the professional reputation of the New Zealand marine industry internationally and to the high standards of training, NZ Marine ITO graduates are highly regarded and sought after around the world.