Weekly Powerboat and Fishing Summary

SKIING

V8 Supercar heroes Rick and Todd Kelly have made it two out of two – confirming they’re champions on the water as well as the tarmac. Powered by an OptiMax 300XS the brothers won the Formula 2 Expert class at the 2010 Robinvale Euston ski event in northern Victoria. Averaging 132 kilometres an hour, they crossed some 82 seconds faster than the previous best time. Rick Kelly was behind the wheel of Esky Mojo while brother Todd and Jarrod Roberts did the skiing. Fellow V8 Supercar driver Dale Wood was the observer.

FISHING

In 1994 a small group of trailerboat fishing enthusiasts got together at d'Albora Marinas Nelson Bay on Port Stephens for a fun weekend of fishing and entertainment. Held each year the weekend prior to Easter, the Trailer Boat Fishing Tournament has grown to be amongst the most popular family fishing tournaments in Australia, while staying true to its original ideal of making anglers of all ages and skill levels welcome. The rules are simple to understand and there are a lot of Juniors each year. These days, you can expect to join up to 1500 competitors and 500 boats to compete for around $100,000. More details.

POWERBOATS

Mercury has redesigned its Bravo Three propeller so it now has better acceleration, better holding and reduced weight. The new generation Bravo Three boasts a four-blade front prop, replacing the original three blade. The rear three blade prop remains the same.

Chris Headley at CJH Yachts in Cairns has released the CJH 26’ Sportsfisher a small twin shaft drive sportsfishing boat, designed by naval architect Peter Hogbin for both private game fishermen and charter operators, meeting the 2C survey category. The hull length is 7.9 metres overall and it’s legally trailable. It has a great galley, head/shower with full standing room and a comfortable vee berth.

Haines Hunter appoints Deegan Marine as Tasmania’s exclusive dealer for its range of fibreglass fishing/pleasure boats. Based in Ulverstone, the family-owned and operated Deegan Marine has been meeting the demands of Tasmania’s boating community for nearly 40 years – winning numerous awards for excellence in the process.

POWERBOAT RACING

Power boat P1 Management announces the launch of its highly anticipated torque sensor project, which has been heralded as one of the most important technological developments in powerboat racing to date. Starting from the opening race of the 2010 season in Yalta, Ukraine, the entire world championship racing fleet will be using customised Powerboat P1 torque sensors. The cutting edge technology, already successfully used in Formula 1 motor racing, is being used for the first time in a powerboat racing competition. The advanced engine power output monitoring system is designed to police discrepancies associated with the power-to-weight ratio of the competing boats, as well as providing the Powerboat P1 technical team with real-time engine power monitoring. Power Boat P1.com.

NEWS BRIEFS

Safety on Lake Mulwala is being improved with the installation of state-of-the-art navigation buoys and lights. The safety improvements totalling $180,000 were the biggest ever single investment in navigational upgrades in the Murray area. A system of 71 buoys, 56 with remote-controlled, solar-powered LED lights, will mark the Murray River channel within the lake. Maritime.NSW.gov.au.

A new disposal system for out-of-date flares has been introduced in NSW. Flares are essential emergency signalling equipment for boats in open waters, and must be replaced every three years before they expire as there is no guarantee that they will then fire when needed. Old flares are classed as explosives and must be disposed of properly and can now be placed into special containers at NSW Maritime centres. Maritime.NSW.gov.au.

The 24-metre former tuna boat Tiwi Pearl was to have been sunk with fanfare in Moreton Bay on 14 March to extend an artificial reef. However, the bungs were pulled and down she went, two days ahead of schedule. MarineQLD.com.au.

Marine Rescue NSW has 33 operational Units along the NSW Coastline after former VRA volunteer marine rescue units - Terrigal on the Central Coast and Tuross on the South Coast - began their first weekend as full units of Marine Rescue NSW. Marine Rescue NSW.com.au.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS

Mar 19 – 21 -- 2010 Brisbane Tinnie and Tackle Show, RNA Showgrounds, Brisbane Tinnie and Tackle.com.au.

Mar 20 – 21 -- 2010 Australian Superboat Championships, Round 1 at Temora, NSW V8 Super Boats.com.au.

Mar 26 - 28 -- Club Marine Trailer Boat Fishing Tournament, Port Stephens NSW. 1500 competitors and 500 boats compete for around $100,000 in prizes. More details.

Mar 27 – Water Skiing World Record attempt at Strahan, Tasmania. Ski Record.com.

April 2 – 3 -- 2010 Australian Superboat Championships, Round 2 at Griffith, NSW V8 Super Boats.com.au.

April 10 - 11 -- Australian Offshore Superboat Championship - Round 1, Newcastle. AOPC.com.au.

April 16 – 18 -- The Croatia city of Split will host the opening round of the 2010 Powerboat P1 World Championship season. Power Boat P1.com.

April 18 - ORCV's Rip Tour on Port Phillip. ORCV.org.au.

May 2 -- Bridge to Bridge Powerboat Race, Hawkesbury River.

Photograph: Esky Mojo