Weekly Powerboat and Fishing Summary

POWERBOATS

Haines Hunter is releasing several new models, including the re-launch of the popular SeaWasp at the Melbourne Boat Show in July. The next-generation SeaWasp is an adaptation of the original version, which the company manufactured up until the mid 1980s. Redesigned and set to rival the pressed aluminium boat market in price and versatility, the 2010 SeaWasp will initially be available in a 3.95m version, with 4.45m and 5.0m models on the drawing board.

Also set for release at the show is Haines Hunter’s 560 Classic for the mid-range family/fishing boat market and the Limited Series available in a 585R, 600R and 650R introducing the company’s new Structural Safety Matrix (SSM) construction technique, which will be phased into the entire range over coming months.

POWERBOAT RACING

The 2010 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show will have an Offshore Superboat Championship craft on display from 20-23 May. SUV Dodge Ram, a 32ft Blade Custom Boat powered by two Mercury Racing 300x Outboards has a top speed of 115mph (180kph). This craft is from the Supercat Outboard 600hp class and will be on display at the main entrance to the show. Sanctuary Cove Boat Show.com.au.

Jan Zaborowski will return to a frontline role in the UIM Class 1 World Powerboat Championship at the Norwegian Grand Prix in Arendal, 16-18 July, as principal of a new team, with his son Christian taking the throttles. The Maritimo designed and built hull that ran as Welmax Alianza in the season-opener in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, is in his workshop in Asker, Norway. The team is currently holding talks with several drivers. Class-1.com.

PRODUCTS

Modern boat owners need to protect their engines and fuel systems from the damage and contamination that often occurs during storage. Poorly maintained fuel systems can adversely affect engine reliability, which is why Quicksilver developed its Fuel System Treatment & Stabilizer. If added before each fill-up it helps maintain fuel integrity and protect the fuel system against varnish and gum deposits, rust, corrosion and oxidation.

CRUISING / INDUSTRY NEWS

The Australian International Marine Export Group (AIMEX), the peak body for the Australian Marine Export Industry, has been lobbying for several years to get GST removed on boats sold to overseas buyers who wish to sail in Australian waters. The GST law required the boat to be exported within 60 days or GST would be payable. As part of the recent Federal budget, overseas buyers of Australian boats can sail in Australian waters for recreational purposes for up to twelve months without needing to pay GST. MarineQLD.com.au.

SANCTUARY COVE BOAT SHOW

This year’s Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show on 20-23 May has drawn 421 exhibitors with on-water displays at the marina, hardstand displays through the waterfront Marine Village, and exhibits through three large pavilions. Visitors can wander past close to 200 boats on water ranging from super yachts through to glamorous luxury cruisers, sail boats and multihulls. This year two new components have been introduced – a Prestige Brokerage and Charter area on water and a dedicated Sea Trial area, which is an Australian first. Sanctuary Cove Boat Show.com.au.

NEWS BRIEFS

A seven metre Naiad Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat is being refurbished at the NSW Maritime state headquarters at Rozelle Bay in Sydney. NSW Maritime will be donating this boat to the volunteer organization Marine Rescue NSW. Maritime.nsw.gov.au.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS

May 20 - 23 -- Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, Gold Coast. Sanctuary Cove Boat Show.com.au.

May 20 – 23 -- 1770 Festival, Town of Seventeen-Seventy, Queensland. Celebrating the "Birth Place of Queensland", this festival has been an annual event for 17 years and commemorates the visit of the Endeavour and landing of Lt. James Cook and his crew in May 1770. 1770festival.com.au.

May 21 – 30 -- Port Douglas Carnivale, Tropical North Queensland. The seaside resort village of Port Douglas sets aside ten days each year to celebrate music, arts, sport, food culture and entertainment. Carnivale.com.au.

May 27 – June 21 -- Vivid Sydney, a festival of light, music and ideas, featuring the spectacular illumination of the Sydney Opera House sails. EventsNSW.com.au.

June 13 - 14 -- The Oceanic Whitsunday Boat & Leisure Show, Meridien Marinas Abel Point Marina, Airlie Beach. Whitsunday Boat Show.com.

June 26 – 27 -- Australian Offshore Superboat Championship - Round 2, Mackay. AOPC.com.au.

July 1 - 5 -- Melbourne Boat Show, Melbourne Exhibition Centre. Melbourne Boat Show.com.au.

July 3 – 4 -- Australian Offshore Superboat Championship - Round 3, Townsville. AOPC.com.au.

July 15 - 18 -- Adelaide Boat Show, Adelaide Convention Centre. Adelaide Boat Show.com.au.

Photograph: Haines Hunter Limited Series 585R