The Melbourne Summer Boat Show 2013

With an array of the latest cool cruisers, yachts, trailerboats, tinnies and personal watercraft, Melbourne’s only on-water boat show at Docklands was a must-see. 

In fact, new boats staging their Australian debuts at this show hailed from Chaparrals and Crownline, the luxury Italian-made Sessa brand and Hanse in the yachting world.

There was a boatload of fun activities for the whole family, on and off the water, including kayaking, fishing competitions, live demonstrations and come try sessions. And you could get your boating licence having completed a three-hour course and test.

Entertainment included the Yamaha Fish Tank, a 15-metre long, three-metre tall, 13,000-litre aquarium on wheels that lets you see all the underwater action as the fish are caught by lures cast and releases. 

Boat-show organisers, the Boating Industry Association of Victoria, hosted its Bream Classic. The professional fishing tournament promotes catch and release fishing, where all fish caught by competing teams must be presented alive at the weigh in. Kids were welcome to come down and help release the catch. 

The latest in extreme sports, the water-jet powered Flyboard-X was on show. Come ‘N’ Try Sea Kayaking was a wonderful introduction to sea kayaking and a great way to take in the scenery and fresh air around the Docklands. 

Come ‘N’ Try Sailing was held with the help of the experts at the local Yachtmaster Sailing School.

An Australian Volunteer Coast Guard Boat used to perform Search and Rescue operations was open to explore.  And boat licence courses from a group of highly trained and qualified volunteers were held all weekend.

So whether you’re looking at buying a boat or just after a fun day out, The Melbourne Summer Boat Show had everything you need to start your own spectacular boating story. Access was easy and by tram, train, car, or even boat. Look for it next year. See www.melbournesummerboatshow.com.au.