Devonport Boat Show

Devenport Rotary is conducting a spectacular boat show at the TS Mersey Navy Cadet grounds, River Road, East Devonport on February 22 between 11.00am and 5.30pm, with entry via the Rowing Club drive.

The timing has been organised to suit high water in the river to allow demonstrations of the new Barcrusher and Stabicraft range of vessels plus allowing the launch of a ten-seater hovercraft for joy rides.

In addition to the on-water demonstrations, a wide range of boats will be assembled for display, ranging from executive ski boats from the Horsehead Creek Water Ski Club, championship and vintage speed boats, jetskis, yachts, motor cruisers, tinnies, surf boats, kayaks, clinker-built dinghies and even vintage rowing shells.

Judging for the Deegan Marine Boat of the Show award will be held at 3.00pm, with boats presented spic and span to achieve top marks – this will become a perpetual trophy.

Safety and rescue boats as well as personnel from the Police, Australian Maritime College and the local Surf Lifesaving Club will add further to the day.

Demonstrations of scuba diving, with a diver working in a glass-fronted tank, surf lifesaving rescue and resuscitation and cray pot and net making will keep onlookers entertained. Additional maritime items from Stormy Seas lifejackets – checking and sales, Anchor wetsuits, Ray's Outdoors, EPIRB and marine radio and chandlery supplies will all be on display.

With a range of boats from all parts of the state available for sale, representatives from both insurance and finance organisations will be on site for information and quotes.

Not forgetting the children, over forty model radio controlled boats will be displayed in the hall, along with the Fishcare caravan as well as a fishing pool and a face painter to transform pirates and mermaids.

The local Dragons Abreast boat and Cancer Council representatives will be on hand dispensing sun screen to keep everyone sun-safe for the day.

An undercover food court will hold the renowned Rotary BBQ serving burgers and sausages, hot chips, coffee, cold drinks and more, while the popular ice-cream van will be serving favourites.

Entry costs for the day will be $5 for adults, $2 for kids and $10 for a family. Each adult entry will receive a ticket in a raffle with the major prize being a travel voucher sponsored by Spirit of Tasmania. Along with the Rotary wheel spinning $1 tickets to win a hovercraft ride.