Weekly Powerboat and Fishing Summary

SAFETY

NSW Ports and Waterways Minister Paul McLeay and teenage round-the-world sailor Jessica Watson led the countdown for industry guests attending the Sydney International Boat Show to set an international record for lifejackets inflated in one location. The record attempt of 415 inflatable lifejackets being activated is being submitted to the National Safe Boating Council for ratification. www.maritime.nsw.gov.au

NSW boaters have voted overwhelmingly in favour of providing ongoing support to volunteer organisation Marine Rescue NSW. Funding contributions will start from September 2010, and is set at $7.50 for both boat licences and registrations, or $3 for concession holders. www.maritime.nsw.gov.au

POWERBOAT RACING

The Formula Powerboat Grand Prix series descended upon Port Macquarie, NSW, on 23-25 July. The five races for the Mono’s on day one were fiercely contested, but not without incident. Greg Adams, in the Bay Boat Sales entry, had three unexpected spinouts. In the third instance Greg had been leading Tim Fenwick in the #40 Southern Cross when an enthusiastic acceleration move had Greg’s boat snap sideways and stop, throwing up a dense wall of water right into the path of the oncoming Fenwick. The force was such that it knocked the 19 year old out of his seat into the rear of the craft, simultaneously ripping off his visor and almost knocking him unconscious. Adams quickly moved to Fenwick’s side, to ensure the young gun was OK. Clearly shaken, Adams withdrew from the rest of the meeting. The final round of the 2009/2010 season will be held in Penrith on 28-29 August. www.formulapowerboats.com.au

Following an accident during the European and British Powerboat Championships at the Harwich Festival of Power, experienced racer Ian Stirling 59 from St Austell, died. Stirling, a highly experienced pilot, was competing in the European Championships for offshore powerboat Class 2 litre/3c, when his boat hit a wave causing both Stirling and his crew to be thrown into the water. No other boats were involved in the incident. His crew sustained some injuries and is recovering in hospital. www.rya.org.uk

FISHING

Industry & Investment NSW has issued a warning to recreational fishers in Patonga Creek, Brisbane Waters, Broken Bay, and surrounding areas after positive results for Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) were detected in some parts of the Lower Hawkesbury River. As a precautionary measure people are advised to avoid collecting and eating bivalve molluscs (such as oysters, mussels, cockles, pipis and scallops) in the area. www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fisheries

EXPORT AWARDS

Seawind Catamarans wins the Australian Marine Industry Exporter of the Year award, and the Best Marine Industry Export Marketing Strategy award. Established in 1982, Seawind is Australia’s largest designer and builder of ocean-capable cruising-sailing catamarans. Exports now account for 40 per cent of the value of the company’s production. www.aimex.asn.au

IN BRIEF

NSW Maritime has released a study on NSW boat ownership and storage with growth forecasts to 2026. www.maritime.nsw.gov.au

MARINE INDUSTRY

The associations representing the recreational boating and light commercial marine industries around Australia have united to form the Boating Industries Alliance to represent their collective interests nationally. The Alliance supersedes the Australian Marine Industry Federation (AMIF).

Over the next 12-18 months many of National Marine Safety Committee (NMSC)’s functions will be handed over to the Commonwealth’s Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA). In particular the overseeing of the National Standard for Commercial Vessels (NSCV) will be transferred to AMSA. www.nmsc.gov.au

FORTHCOMING EVENTS

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. www.mbtbc.com

Aug 7 - Hervey Bay Whale Festival www.herveybaywhalefestival.com.au

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

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

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

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

Sep 4 – QBE Riverfire, opens the Brisbane Festival with aerial displays by the Australian Defence Forces, fireworks and music. www.brisbanefestival.com.au

Sep 4 - 5 – Darwin Boat Show, Darwin Convention Centre. www.darwinboatshow.com.au

Sep 5 – Oct 11 -- The Louisiades Rally for yachts and powerboats over 30 feet will depart and return to Cairns. www.louisiadesrally.com

Sep 18 - 19 -- Australian Offshore Powerboat Championship Round 4, Redcliff, Queensland www.aopc.com.au

Sep 18 - 19 - Windsor Spectacular, conducted by the Upper Hawkesbury Powerboat Club. Boats are expected to reach speeds over 230 kilometres per hour. www.uhpbc.net

Oct 8 – 10 – Club Marine Mandurah Boat Show, Mandurah Offshore Fishing & Sailing Club WA www.mandurahboatshow.com

Photograph: NSW Ports and Waterways Minister Paul McLeay and round-the-world sailor Jessica Watson join more than 400 boating industry representatives to create a new world record for the number of lifejackets inflated in one location at the Sydney International Boat Show 2010.