Weekly Powerboat and Fishing Summary

POWERBOATS

Brig's largest inflatable boat, Eagle 780, will be launched at the Sydney International Boat Show. At 7.8 metres long and 2.95 metres wide, it has a walk in console with enough room for a fridge, and also comes with room for a head (toilet) which is virtually unheard of on an inflatable. It's rated for engines up to 300hp and there's a self launching anchor system. SydneyBoatShow.com.au.

Sydney International Boat Show will provide a rare opportunity for the public to take a close look at the state-of-the-art marine research vessel, the RV Bombora. Features include sidescan sonar - similar to that used to locate shipwrecks such as HMAS Sydney in 2008; seafloor mapping technology providing three dimensional images, video and high resolution still images of fish, sharks, and other life beneath the waves; and a carousel of water bottles which can be lowered to a depth of around 200 metres to provide information about water quality. SydneyBoatShow.com.au.

POWERBOAT RACING

The second round of the Australia Offshore Superboat Championships at Mackay, North Queensland, was won by the international team of Qatar 96.
Racing was held in perfect conditions with light winds and sunny skies. With the new two race format teams had to finish both races or fall behind in championship points. SuperBoat.com.au.

The Cholmondeley Pageant of Power showcases the best of historic and contemporary automotive power on land, sea and air. A variety of RYA powerboating disciplines, from monohulls to supercats and junior races to senior classes will be competing on 17-18 July in the grounds of Cholmondeley Castle, England. CPOP.co.uk.

Russia welcomes back their local power boating racing hero Stanislav Kourtsenovsky for the Grand Prix of Russia in his native St Petersburg on
10-11 July. Also competing will be last year's winner and 2008 UIM F1 H2O World Champion Jay Price of the Qatar Team who is trying to save his family's way of life in New Orleans after the BP oil spill disaster. F1h2o.com.

FISHING

Australian bass are off limits in Queensland waters from 1 June until 31 August 2010. This period is aligned to the breeding cycle of Australian bass populations within Queensland's south-east river systems. DEEPI.qld.gov.au.

IN BRIEF

Fisheries Queensland has established Marine Animal Release Teams (MART) on the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and in Mackay to release marine animals entangled in shark nets. Entanglements generally occur around August and September when young inexperienced whales are on their way back from the northern breeding waters. Supporting the MART teams are 'volunteer whale spotters' who reside in high-rise buildings along the coast and are trained to identify and confirm entanglements. DEEPI.qld.gov.au.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS

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

July 23 - 25 -- Australian Formula Powerboat Grand Prix, Round 5, McInherney Park, Port Macquarie. FormulaPowerBoats.com.au.

July 29 - Aug 2 -- 2010 Sydney International Boat Show, Darling Harbour. SydneyBoatShow.com.au.

Aug 6 - 11 -- Moreton Bay Fishing Classic, conducted by the Moreton Bay Trailer Boat Club, is designed to be fun for everyone while promoting responsible resource conservation and environment fishing practice. Anyone can enter and the estimated prize pool is $200,000. MBTBC.com.

Aug 7 - Hervey Bay Whale Festival. HerveyBayWhaleFestival.com.au.

August 11 - 15 -- Perth Boat & Leisure Expo, Perth Convention Exhibition Centre. PerthBoatShow.com.au.

Aug 20 - Sep 5 -- Festival Cairns FestivalCairns.com.au.

Aug 21 - Traditionally run on the dry bed of the Todd River in the Northern Territory's Alice Springs, the Henley-on-Todd was cancelled in 1993 due to the uncharacteristic flooding of the river. But it will be business as usual at this year's event, when residents and visitors alike congregate for the quirky race. HenleyOnTodd.com.au.

Aug 22 - 24 -- Marine Safety Conference 2010, Burswood Entertainment Centre, Perth. NMSC.gov.au.

August 26 - 29 -- Brisbane International Boat Show, Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre. BrisbaneBoatShow.com.au.

Aug 28 - 29 -- Australian Formula Powerboat Grand Prix, Round, Sydney International Regatta Centre, Penrith. FormulaPowerBoats.com.au.

Sep 5 - Oct 11 -- The Louisiades Rally for yachts and powerboats over 30 feet will depart and return to Cairns. Participants will cruise in company across 520 nautical miles of the Coral Sea, to the Louisiades Archipelago in Papua New Guinea. The program of events includes sailing canoe racing, feasts, sing sings, skull cave visit, traditional dancing, a remote river trip, school and hospital visits and more. The program also allows plenty of time for independent exploration to the islands and their friendly communities. Entries close July 1. LouisiadesRally.com.