Akuna Bay - more of a 'festival of boating'...

by Bob Wonders on 17 Oct 2007 The 11th annual Akuna Bay Boat Festival is scheduled for next weekend at the picturesque d’Albora Marinas complex in the heart of Sydney’s Ku-ring-gai Chase. Although it began as a boat show back in 1996, it is recognised and presented today with more of a festival atmosphere.

There’ll be live music (dead music is such a bore!), wine tasting, sausage sizzles, model boat displays, motor vehicles and sport utility vehicles on show, children’s entertainment, food tasting and boat license testing. Needless to say, boats will be on display, with both new and brokerage vessels open for inspection.

Exhibitors confirmed include Riviera Sales – Pittwater, RMarine, Sunrunner Sports Cruisers, Aquila Inflatables, Tiara Yachts, Dufour Yachts, Boat Syndicates International, Four Winns from the Sydney Powerboat Centre, Sea Ray from the Pacific Boating Group and an array of trailer boats from Marine Network.

Other displays will be hosted by the Cottage Point Australian Volunteer Coast Guard, the Rural Fire Brigade, Telstra Corporation, Pukarra Estate, with its olives and olive oil, Wine Haven, including wine tasting, Maritime Antiques and Model Boats by Graham Mason.

Northern Beaches marine industry identity Mike Gaffikin (Mike Gaffikin Marine Services) was a prime mover in the establishment of the festival 11-years ago.
'It was perhaps more of a boat show then,' he explained, 'in those days we had plenty of space, but it’s more of a festival, a good time to mark the official opening of the boating season these days.'

Gaffikin’s company will display the popular US-built Tiara and the award-winning Maritimo range at the festival. Pennant Hills Toyota and Alto Landrover will be displaying a range of vehicles, with other displays hosted by My Boatie, the Boat Care Professionals, Wind, Surf ‘n Snow and a visit from the NSW Water Police. The children can be left in the care of a Jumping Castle.

Akuna Bay is off Mona Vale Road, Terrey Hills.
The festival will be open 10am to 5pm Saturday and Sunday.
For further information telephone the marina, (02) 9486-3000.