Weekly Powerboat and Fishing Summary

FISHING

Over 700 anglers will converge on Hobsons Bay and surrounds over 11-13 December 2009 as they vie for their share of $45,000 in cash and prizes in the 16th Annual Snapper Classic. One lucky angler will also walk away with a Haines Hunter 475 Profish boat, valued at $25,000, just for entering the event. Entry is open to all for $45 adults, $25 for children aged 5-15 years. Fishing is restricted to Port Phillip Bay and may be done from a boat, pier, breakwater, jetty or shoreline.

Research funded by fishing licence revenue has funded a recreational fishing survey at Mallacoota Inlet, in far east Victoria. The results indicate dusky flathead is the most important component of the summertime catch of boat-based anglers. During autumn, dusky flathead catch rates decrease and catches of black bream and tailor become more prominent. In winter and spring, catches of Australian salmon by shore-based anglers were substantial, significantly more than for boat-based fishers. More details at www.dpi.vic.gov.

A new collaborative project between state governments and Australian Government agencies will ensure the northern Australian red snapper industry between the Kimberleys and Cape York remains sustainable and profitable for the future. Marine Qld.com.au.

Marine Queensland reports that the legal size for amberjack has been reduced to 50cm for all fishing tourism operators and recreational anglers. A 50cm size limit now also applies to dolphin fish and samson fish. Marine Qld.com.au.

POWERBOAT RACING

After five Grands Prix and eight races, the fight for the coveted Class 1 World title will be decided on 10 - 12 December in the final two races of the season in the Emirates/Dubai Duty Free Dubai Grand Prix. With the Victory Team having already secured a ninth Class 1 World title, the only unanswered question is which of the two Dubai-based teams will emerge victorious - Fazza or Victory 1? Get more info at www.Class-1.com.

Defending World Champion Jay Price of the Qatar Team scored his third victory of the season and his sixth of his career and moved himself back into the 2009 U.I.M. F1 H2O World Championship picture at the 17th Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates. More details.

Current stars of Powerboat P1 are looking forward to sharing the limelight in 2010 with the inclusion of the Formula Four Stroke Championship on next year’s racing calendar. The F4SA involves boats that are smaller and less powerful and are regarded as a steeping stone to Powerboat P1. Powerboat P1.com.

TRAINING

The Queensland state government has promised an extra $2.5 million to be used to establish an inshore craft training simulator and maritime safety facility at the Great Barrier Reef International Marine College. Construction of the $8 million College in the Cairns Port precinct will commence in February. Marine Qld.com.au.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS

Dec 11-13 - Annual Snapper Classic, Hobsons Bay, Port Phillip. See Fishing

Dec 27 – Jan 24 – Kids on Deck – The National Maritime Museum’s summer school holiday program in Darling Harbour, Sydney. Children five to ten years enjoy the magic and mystery of dragons, unicorns and mermaids. Wet world is for children three to nine years to participate in fun activities exploring the properties of water. More details.

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

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. More details.

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. Varietysplash.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 475 Profish