SYDNEY BOAT SHOW: Historical boat displays
From longboats to raceboats and a famous water-skiiing family's fleet, the Sydney boat show has it allTh 50th Sydney International Boat Show will showcase some of Australia’s greatest boating history when it opens the doors from August 3-7 at the International Convention Centre in Darling Harbour.
The Australian National Maritime Museum will be presenting some fascinating historic vessels, including a Nautilus II from the early days of high-speed motorboat racing in Australia. The boat competed in the earliest runnings of the E.C. Griffith Cup.
At the other end of the spectrum is a Portsmouth gig, which is a full-scale replica of HMS Sirius longboat used by the First Fleet in 1788 when it arrived in Sydney Harbour.
There will also be historical artefacts, including a collection of swimsuits worn through the ages. Visitors are encouraged to drop by the display, hear from the maritime experts, and get more information about the museum, which is also located in Darling Harbour close to the International Convention Centre.
CLASSIC POWERBOAT DISPLAY
The Sydney boat show is a family affair and, this year, the famous Kilpatrick family will display its impressive collection of classic powerboats.
The Kilpatrick family is a racing dynasty that started way back in the 1960s, with the patriarch of the family George Kilpatrick. A legend in the sport, his successes have inspired his children and grandchildren who are all now involved in the sport.
George’s son, John Kilpatrick, bought his first boat in 1980. It was a 17ft Gilflite. From that moment, a legacy began. John formed Special K Racing, and competed in circuit racing, bridge-to-bridge racing and ski-racing.
George’s other sons, Noel and David, have also competed in many bridge-to-bridge ski and boat races. Noel has had great success, winning multiple competitions. His first win came in 1985 at the Gordon Brown Memorial, and he’s continued racing for decades, winning the Ken Waggott Memorial in 2011.
George’s youngest daughter, Rhonda, along with her husband, Tony, compete in bridge-to-bridge and circuit racing. Kilpatrick family racing has now become multi-generational, with Rhonda and Tony’s daughters, Melinda and Michelle, taking up the sport.
John Kilpatrick’s kids, Sally and Michael, having been competing since they were very young, dominating the Nipper class. It's certainly a family affair.
The Kilpatrick’s most prized powerboats will be proudly displayed, including Melodee IV, Melodee XI, Nightmare, Special K and After Shock, as well as a junior boat, Special K Junior. To complement the display, there will be trophies showcasing the family’s successes over the decades.
BOATING SAFETY
As always, boating safety is at the core of the organisers’ charter, so again the show welcomes Transport for NSW as the shows Partner in Safety.
Situated on the upper level near the entry door, the Boating Safety Zone will be a hub of information for anyone who considers boating a part of their life.
The Boating Safety zone is a must visit location to get the latest information on how to make your time of the water with family and friends better.
Halls will open from 10am to 8pm, while the Marina will open from 10am up until 7pm. Tickets can be purchased online now. Visitors wanting more information or to buy tickets should visit the website.
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50th Sydney International Boat Show.
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