Weekly Powerboat and Fishing Summary

POWERBOATS & FISHING

Mark Nissen has been in business for only about a year, but he’s already known for creating high performance sports and spear-fishing boats. His new Chaos Cat 520.

has been tearing through the water off Mission Beach, North Queensland powered by an OptiMax 250 Pro XS and controlled by Mercury’s unique Big Tiller. The 5.2m purpose built aluminium catamaran cruises at 45-50 mph (72-80 km/h) in one-metre seas and by changing his current 23 pitch propeller to a 25 pitch Mercury Laser II prop Mark’s confident he can hit 65-70 mph (104 – 112 km/h).

NSW Police are investigating the death of a man in a boating incident about 300 meters off Haycock Beach near Eden. Two men were fishing in a 14ft aluminium boat when for unknown reasons one of the men fell overboard. Police were told the other man then tried to pull him back into the boat but the boat capsized. He then grabbed the man who originally fell overboard and swam him to Haycock beach. More details.

The Bligh Government has approved the Queensland Fisheries Strategy 2009-2014 which sets the future direction for fisheries in Queensland. One of the major aims of the strategy is to reduce the complexity associated with fisheries management while also ensuring sustainability. More information.

POWERBOAT RACING

The Melbourne Runabout Speedboat Club is assisting Fastwater Promotions in staging the first UIM Unlimited Displacment World Championship on 15-17 October, 2010 at Gol Gol NSW near Mildura. More details at FastWater.com.au.

The Victorian Council Australian Power Boat Association announce that Australia has been allocated the 2010 World Grand Prix Hydroplane Championships which will be held on consecutive weekends in November 20/21 and 27/28 on Lake Mulwala, Yarrawonga.

Maximum points from this weekend’s first-ever Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, round five of the UIM-WPPA Class 1 World Powerboat Championship, for Victory 1 or Fazza, would secure a remarkable ninth World title for Dubai’s Victory Team. However, should either hit major problems, they will leave the door slightly ajar for Maritimo and Welmax, their main title challengers, to reduce the gap at the top of the World Championship standings. The first official practice takes place on Thursday 19 November with races on Friday and Saturday. Class-1.com.

NEW PRODUCTS

Dunbier Marine Products has been appointed distributor of the innovative Eco Trailerwash System. Sold in kit form, the Eco Trailerwash System is a network of poly tubing and nozzles which is fitted to the trailer frame and connected to a water supply via a standard hose fitting. The nozzles, which are positioned all around the trailer, can be adjusted to spray specific areas such as wheel hubs, brake systems and axles. The Eco Trailerwash uses up to 80 per cent less water compared to using a standard hose and is suitable for trailers up to eight metres in length.

NEWS BRIEFS

Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show on 20-23 May 2010 will introduce a Prestige Brokerage Display to showcase vessels of 15 metres or longer. Only accredited marina brokers and dealers will be permitted to exhibit within the area. Exhibitor bookings have opened for 2010. Sanctuary Cove Boat Show.

NSW Police Force Marine Area Command conducted an exercise in waters off Sydney on Sunday to deliver practical experience and enhanced skills for police and volunteers involved in marine search and rescue. Personnel from the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard Association, Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol, and the Royal Australian Navy 723 Squadron searched a 16 square nautical mile area for three missing persons (mannequins). Police NSW news.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS

Nov 21-22 -- Round one of the 2009 UIM World Jet Sprint Championships will be held at Lake Centenary three kilometers north of Temora, NSW. The best drivers from all over the world will battle it out to become world champions. See also jetskis, drag boats, water ski shows and wakeboarding as well as skydiving and flying displays. The racetrack has an excellent spectator area with all amenities, children’s amusements, drink and food stalls. V8 Superboats.com.au.

Nov 21 – 23 -- Club Marine Boating Extravaganza, Goolwa, SA - 150 on-water sites, more than 200 hard stand sites and a number of hands-on exhibitions and demonstrations. More details.

Nov 28-29 -- Round two of the 2009 UIM World Jet Sprint Championships will be held at Melton, Victoria. V8 Superboats.com.au.

Nov 28-29 - Lake Mulwala Power Festival. Lake Mulwala Power website. 

Photograph: Chaos Cat 520 airborne