Steinlager II and Lion New Zealand star at Auckland On Water Boat Show

by New Zealand Marine Industry Association on 13 Sep 2012 Two of Sir Peter Blake's most famous yachts, Steinlager II and Lion New Zealand, will feature at this year’s Auckland On Water Boat Show which runs from 27 to 30 September in Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour.

With a huge variety of boats of all sizes on the water and on land around the Viaduct Events Centre, Steinlager II and Lion New Zealand will be key attractions for the thousands of boating enthusiasts expected at Auckland’s only on-water boat show.

Thanks to the NZ Sailing Trust which now owns both these Peter Blake yachts, members of the public can go aboard and explore these iconic, history-making race yachts.

Steinlager II, a maxi-ketch, won the 1989-90 round-the-world race and, under the trust’s management, is being prepared to contest the 31st 119 nautical mile Auckland to Russell Coastal Classic race in October.

As well as being raced on a regular basis by trust members and pay-to-sail clients, Steinlager II and Lion New Zealand are utilised by the NZ Sailing Trust for a variety of youth and school programmes as well as corporate training and private charters.

As Ash Taylor, the trust’s CEO, says, the whole purpose of the trust is to keep these legendary boats in New Zealand. 'Both yachts have a fantastic ‘New Zealand’ story behind them and through the trust we’re able to share that story with the hundreds of people who come sailing with us; many are sailing for the first time and we love sharing that experience with them.'

The Auckland On Water Boat Show, formerly the Auckland International Boat Show, features over 200 exhibitors who will fill the Viaduct Events Centre and three further pavilions with a vast array of marine products and services.

Owned and run by the New Zealand Marine Industry Association, show manager Michelle Khan says: 'Boating enthusiasts are sure to find industry-leading experts ready to share their knowledge and boating passion.

'Whether you're an experienced boatie or just thinking about venturing into a new on-water activity, this event offers you the perfect opportunity to find out more about that product or service you need to be ready for your on-water summer fun. Everything from power boats and yachts of all sizes to great fishing equipment, outboards and inboards, solar technology, electronics, safety devices and much more.'

The Boating New Zealand magazine-backed ‘ask the expert’ seminars offer further opportunities to hear from marine specialists. The free seminars run Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 11 am to 3 pm on level two of the Viaduct Events Centre.

Topics include learning to love your diesel engine from Whiting Power, the latest Lowrance electronics and the new Furuno TZ Touch navigation system from Electronic Navigation Ltd, yacht charters as a family holiday option from The Moorings and weather expert Bob McDavitt talks about the boating map from www.DiscoverBoating.co.nz.

Open at 10 am for all four days, the Auckland On Water Boat Show closes at 6 pm Thursday through Saturday and 5 pm on Sunday. Tickets are available at the gate; an adult day pass is $20, buy a four day pass for $30, or save 20% by buying online from iTicket. See www.auckland-boatshow.com for further details or find Auckland On Water Boat Show on Facebook www.facebook.com/OnWaterBoatShow