Please select your home edition
Edition
Barton Marine Pipe Glands

Brisbane Boat Show: Plenty to see for the whole family

by AAP Medianet 13 Aug 2018 21:37 PDT 24-26 August 2018

As many as 450 boats from more than 50 exhibitors located across Queensland and beyond will fill 20,000m" of the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre as the Brisbane Boat Show opens for 3 days from 24th August 2018. With space now booked by exhibitors from both the government and the private sectors, whether it's a love of fishing, water skiing, wake boarding or just paddling around Australia's splendid waterways, the 2018 Brisbane Boat Show has something for every water-loving Queenslander.

Hovercrafts make their return to the Show this year, with members of the Queensland Sporting Hovercraft Club presenting one of the most unique on-water vessels ever conceived. Generally constructed by enthusiasts, these solo versions use a cushion of air to float above the surface of the water, while a giant fan situated behind the passenger provides forward propulsion. Because hovercrafts travel on a low-pressure cushion of air with the hull well clear of the surface, there is no bow wave or wash to damage the shoreline or disturb marine life.

Effective for use in both shallow and deep waters, hovercrafts easily berth on a beach and shore areas adjacent to waterways, with larger commercial versions around the world carrying hundreds of passengers on regular ferry services year-round.

Land-Sailing might sound like a contradiction, but that's exactly what BloKarts do, powered by the wind and reaching speeds of up to 100km per hour. A wheeled 'cockpit' is propelled via a single 4m sail. Two classes of Blokart will be on display at the Brisbane Boat Show, courtesy of the South East Queensland BloKart Club. The production class includes a fibreglass mast with a 4m sail as standard. The performance class is similar, but is generally sailed with a carbon mast and an enclosed cockpit called a pod. Ross Webster with the club said, "I became involved in BloKarting about 4 years ago, and since joining the club my sailing has improved out of sight. The club's emphasis is on an enjoyable family sport and for those wishing to compete, the club offers free coaching."

Making a welcome return this year, Bumper Boat rides for the kids are included with entry. Make your way to the giant inflatable pool and enjoy a break while the kids burn-off some energy having fun paddling around in their self-powered vessel. It's a much-anticipated activity for the kids to enjoy, while they also undertake the safety habit of wearing a life jacket and building confidence while boating. In between bumper boat rides, on-water demonstrations will feature the latest in stand-up paddleboards, pedalboards and kayaks.

With almost 5 million people enjoying our waterways each year in Australia, the Show includes plenty of other education and entertainment as well. Fishing master-classes and hand painting lure demonstrations are just a few of the many other activities included with the entry ticket.

The show is open each day from 10AM. Adult tickets are $15. Concessions are available for families, kids and seniors, with individual entry just $5 after 5PM (after 5PM tickets purchased onsite at the show only, excludes family tickets). Up to date details available at www.brisbaneboatshow.com.au.

Related Articles

McIntyre Mini Madness solo around the world!
Orcas, Head Wounds & 144-mile days: Mini Globe Race's most dramatic leg yet The McIntyre Mini Globe Race is a marathon by any measure. Every section is like another solo transatlantic race and there are 11 back to back! The racing is intense for the front runners. It's not a cruise. Posted on 10 Sep
Superyacht Safety Comes Into Focus
As Monitoring Tech Booms The weather is changing, and it's not just a sailor's hunch. Storms are forming faster and are more destructive. Onboard sailing superyachts, captains and crews are facing new challenges in predicting risk, and the message is clear. Posted on 10 Sep
Switch Global Championships about to begin!
A fleet of 60 boats from 14 nations are taking part at Fraglia Vela Malcesine From September 11 to 14, the first international event for the brand-new Switch class will take place — a class that, in just one year, has seen astonishing growth. Posted on 10 Sep
La Solitaire du Figaro Paprec Leg 1 Day 4
Jules Delpech first at Needles Fairway, Alexis Loison leading the fleet After a lightning-fast Channel crossing this morning, the Figaro sailors have been kept busy with a succession of maneuvers and mark roundings. Posted on 10 Sep
Snipe Europeans 2025 at Vilamoura, Portugal Day 2
Perfect sailing conditions for the fleet The second day of racing at the Snipe Europeans in Vilamoura could not have been better. Sailors enjoyed two back-to-back races under ideal conditions, with winds ranging from 240 to 250 degrees and steady breezes of 10 to 15 knots across the racecourse. Posted on 10 Sep
Pantaenius Yacht Racing Image Award 2025
Submission of images open until 12 October The world's leading photography competition dedicated to the sport of sailing is now open. You have one month left to submit your best image, taken since 14 October 2024. Posted on 10 Sep
4th ORC Double-Handed Worlds opening day
Heavy rain, poor visibility, and unstable winds forced organisers to cancel the Short Offshore Race The opening race of the ORC Double-Handed Worlds 2025, hosted by YC Monfalcone in collaboration with the Offshore Racing Congress (ORC) and held at Marina Monfalcone, was abandoned today due to severe weather conditions in the Northern Adriatic. Posted on 10 Sep
Big Weather Gear appointed by Henri-Lloyd in USA
A high-profile return to the US market with its new retail partner Henri-Lloyd will be making a high-profile return to the US market with the appointment of Big Weather Gear as its new retail partner. Posted on 10 Sep
The Ocean Race Europe Leg 5 Day 4
Fast speeds and high stakes in thundery conditions as the fleet approaches Sicily After two days of predominantly light wind sailing and slow progress for the fleet, the top four teams - Paprec Arkéa (FRA), Biotherm (FRA), Allagrande Mapei (ITA), and Team Malizia (GER) - were the first to experience a low pressure weather system. Posted on 10 Sep
SailGP launches new rudders
And unveils further innovations ahead of Saint-Tropez event SailGP has today announced significant steps forward in technological innovation and fleet capability, with the launch of new rudders and plans for automated foil-protection software specifically for high speed, highly-loaded maneuvers. Posted on 10 Sep
Allen SailingHenri-Lloyd Dynamic RangeMackay Boats 728x90 BOTTOM