The 11th annual Akuna Bay Boat Festival

by Bob Wonders on 26 Oct 2007 For Sydneysiders, this weekend marks the official opening of the ‘07/’08 boating season and there could be no better way to celebrate the occasion than joining the crowds at the 11th annual Boat Festival at the picturesque d’Albora Marina at Akuna Bay.

While the festival may well be boating oriented, there’s little doubt that the headline act will be ‘Descendance’, the spectacular Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dance theatre.

The group features more than 30 dancers from diverse tribes Australia wide. They have performed in 32 countries around the world and participated at major international events, including the 2000 Sydney Olympics and the 2003 Rugby World Cup.

Their performance features traditional and contemporary elements that work closely with other traditional dance forms, including flamenco, Indian, Asian, Native American, Gypsy and classical.

Marina manager Garry Crowhurst said the Akuna Bay complex, being in the midst of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, was close by to numerous Aboriginal rock carvings. 'So this spectacular dance group will really complement the location,' he said.

‘Descendance’ will perform at 11am tomorrow (Saturday, October 27) and will conclude the performance with traditional Aboriginal body and face painting.

It is set to be a gala weekend, with an array of boats on display to tempt potential buyers, model boat displays, a charity sausage sizzle, wine tastings, children’s entertainment and boat license testing courtesy of the Australian Volunteer Coastal Patrol.

The festival will operate 10am to 5pm over both days.

A ceremony will be staged at 12 noon tomorrow (Saturday) at which guest speakers will officially declare the new boating season open.

'We’re anticipating an enjoyable weekend for all,' Garry Crowhurst added. 'It’s an event not to be missed.'

The d’Albora Marinas Akuna Bay complex is at Terrey Hills, off Mona Vale Road.

For further information log on to www.dalboramarinas.com.au