Powerboat & Fishing Summary

POWERBOATS & FISHING

RFD launches at the Sydney International Boat Show the 20 model Plastimo range, which covers both conventional inflatable boats and RIBs in length variants from a two metre tender through to a 3.5 metre RIB. More at Boating Oz.

Quintrex have made adventure easy for families and fishing enthusiasts with their range of Spirit and Offshore Cabin boats. The Spirit range of Cabin boats: 510, 530, 570, 610, 650 and 690 are a smooth and safe ride thanks to the unique Quintrex Millennium Hull and Flared Bow. More details.

A group of anglers, manufacturers, retailers and media personalities are concerned with the Victorian government’s new proposals as set out in the discussion paper “Improving Marine Safety in Victoria.” Anyone who is passionate about recreational fishing in Victoria is invited to attend a meeting about these issues on 19 August at 7:30pm at Port Phillip Boating Centre, 2/10 Wallace Avenue, Point Cook.

The Wide Bay Australia Bundy Thunder on November 6-8 is Queensland’s biggest power boat race spectacular. It incorporates two days of Australia’s best high octane racing, lunchtime water displays and ancillary events. More details.

Maritimo’s double-podium finish in last month’s BMW Norwegian Grand Prix has sparked a wave of excitement and interest in Constanta-Mamaia, with the 2008/9 Australian Offshore Superboat Champions set to make their first appearance in the Romanian Grand Prix, 28-30 August. Details.

Sheikh Hassan Bin Jabor Al-Thani's has withdrawn the Spirit of Qatar from the 2009 Class 1 World Powerboat Championship after an incident at the start of last month's Norwegian Grand Prix. More information.

NEWS BRIEFS

An on-line maritime alert, based on official weather data, has been launched to help boat owners and rock fishermen prepare and plan a day out on or near the water. More info.

Police Inspector Glenn Finniss of the NSW Water Police will take up the position of interim Chief Executive of the new volunteer maritime rescue group, Marine Rescue NSW. Details.

On 15 October 2007 a ceremony marked the official commencement of the building of Sandringham Yacht Club’s new clubhouse. Now two years on come October this year, the vision is set to become a reality when the new Clubhouse is officially opened. More info.

The purchase of five new patrol boats at a cost of almost $750,000 will provide NSW Maritime safety officers with an increased presence on the State’s waterways. More details.

A state of the art recreational boating facility is to be built at Yeend Street Wharf at Birchgrove, in Sydney’s inner west. More details.

More than $50 million in maritime developments will go ahead at Rozelle and Blackwattle Bays in Sydney. More information.

MARINE INDUSTRY

Australia’s boating industry has confirmed its intention to develop a new single national entity to represent the interests of its members across Australia. More details.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS

Aug 7 – 12 -- Inaugural Moreton Bay Classic fishing tournament, conducted by the Moreton Bay Trailer Boat Club. Anyone can enter the Classic, the first of its type to be held in Brisbane. The event offers the chance to win a marina berth worth $132,000, a Suzuki car, a CruiseCraft boat and heaps of cash and other prizes Details.

Aug 8 - Hervey Bay Whale Festival.

August 12 - 16 -- Perth International Boat Show, Perth Convention Exhibition Centre. Perth Boat show.

Aug 16 - Want a new angle on Sydney? The National Maritime Museum invites you to climb to the top of its historic lighthouse for a different view of Darling Harbour and the city beyond. More details.

August 28 - 31 -- Brisbane International Boat Show, Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre. Brisbane Boat show.

Sep 12 – 13 -- Australian Offshore Powerboat Championship Round 7, Redcliff, Queensland. AOPC.com.au.

Sep 19 – 20 --Australian Offshore Powerboat Championship Round 8, Gold Coast, Queensland AOPC.com.au.

Photograph: Plastimo Inflatable