Weekly Powerboat and Fishing Summary

POWERBOATS & FISHING

Haines Hunter’s Classic Offshore Series, the 600 and 650 are purpose-built for bluewater fishing and are designed to accept single or twin engine applications. Each model boasts an ultra-heavy hull for exceptional performance in less than perfect conditions, and a long-range fuel capacity to get to the fishing grounds and back.

Both models maximise every centimetre of onboard space, incorporating functional fishing features such as large livebait tanks, stainless steel rod holders, padded cockpit coamings, and plenty of side pocket and underfloor storage. At the same time, there are enough creature comforts to keep the whole family happy. More details.

The National Marine Safety Committee, under arrangements with Standards Australia, has produced and published a new edition of the Australian Standard for the safety aspects of power boats. The revised standard is a key reference document for the Australian Builders Plate (ABP). It covers buoyancy, stability, fire protection and a range of other safety aspects for recreational boats up to 15 metres in length. More information.

POWERBOAT RACING

Driver Alan Carr and navigator Jo Price saw dirt, sky, dirt, sky and then water when they crashed Sprintec at the opening round of the 2009 UIM World Championship at Temora. Alan admitted clipping the right hand bank on the final run to the line and, as he couldn't make the last turn, the boat went straight up the bank. Teams now enjoy a few days to recover before action gets underway for the second and final round of the championships at Melton's McPherson Park on Saturday 28 November 28. Follow the links to crash photos at V8 Superboats.com.au.

Over 60 entries have been received for the Mulwala Power festival on 28-29 November. Dean ‘Superman’ Gleeson in his Blown Alcohol Displacement (BAD) boat ‘Kryptonite’ is capable of speeds up to 240kph (150mph) on the water. Last year he was Australia’s highest place getter in the EC Griffith Cup which was won by New Zealand.

 - In the winter break the ‘Kryptonite’ team has made some major modifications to the 21ft hull and to the bottom planing surfaces of the hull. They have also redistributed weight, moving the massive 540ci supercharged Chevrolet 15cms to the rear of the transom. This, Gleeson hopes, will allow the boat more stability, with more weight on the strut and propeller and allow him to use more horsepower to accelerate out of the corners in a spectacular ‘wheelie’ fashion. Check out http://www.lakemulwalapower.com.au/ for more details.

Fazza’s Arif Al Zafeen and Nadir Bin Hendi won both races of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in the Class 1 World Powerboat Championship. Their sixth win of the season came after a frenetic start which saw all boats except Maritimo handed a penalty long-lap for jumping the start. For the third race in succession Victory 1 had to settle for second place behind their team-mates, after a tight battle with Welmax who finished third. Tom Barry-Cotter and Pal Virik Nilsen racing Maritimo Australia experienced supercharger failure in both races. Class-1.com.

Drivers from four continents head to Doha and the Sixth Grand Prix of Qatar for the 11th and 12th rounds of the 2009 U.I.M. F1 H2O World Championship on 27-28 November. They know this five turn 1.99 kilometer (1.23 mile) race course will be one of the biggest hurtles they’ll have to conquer in order to win a world title at seasons end.

WATER SKIING

Stinger driven by Greg Housten was the overall winner of the Bridge to Bridge Water Ski Classic with skiers Daniel Campbell and Grant Patterson. 127 boats with two skiers completed the race on the Hawkesbury River, NSW. Water Ski NSW.com.au.

NEWS BRIEFS

The British government is refusing to pay the $US7 million ransom being demanded by Somali pirates for the release of retired cruisers Paul and Rachel Chandler. In a recent interview, the Chandlers believe they will be killed or handed over to another terrorist group soon.

NSW Maritime has a new Minister for Ports and Waterways, the Hon. Paul McLeay, MP.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS

2009

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.com.au.

Dec 31 – New Year’s Eve on Sydney Harbour – Family fireworks at 9pm with the main show on at midnight. More details.

2010

Jan 26 – Australia Day – Events on Sydney Harbour include a Ferrython, Awesome Forces displays, best dressed vessels competition, tall ships race, 174th Australia Day Regatta, Sydney Ports Jazz on the Water Concert. For details see Australia Day.com.au.

Feb 5 - 7 -- Melbourne International Boat & Lifestyle Show, Docklands. More details.

Feb 12 - 14 -- Club Marine Southern 80 - Water ski races are held on the Murray River in the border towns of Echuca - Moama. Southern 80.com.au.

Feb 19 – 21 -- The Melbourne Wooden Boat Festival will be held at the Docklands precinct on Victoria Harbour. Wooden Boat.com.au.

Feb 25 - 27 -- Variety Splash - Participants will travel a round trip from Docklands’ Melbourne Yacht Club Hotel, with nightly stopovers at Sandringham Yacht Club and Royal Geelong Yacht Club. Variety Splash.org.au.

Feb 27-28 & Mar 6-7 -- 2010 Nautilus Boat Insurance Interclub Tournament, Port Stephens is where NSW Game Fishing Association clubs compete on various levels. It is expected that there will be up to 1000 anglers competing aboard as many as 200 boats.

Photograph: Haines Hunter’s Classic Offshore