Weekly Powerboat and Fishing Summary

FISHING

Pro fisherman Kris Hickson, who has scored two wins and another four top ten finishes in the highly competitive ABT Daiwa BREAM Series, has collected $2,000 in Mercury Marine 'Bonus Bucks'. At every round of the series the top-placed pro using either a Mercury or Mariner outboard receives $250, and if they have a MotorGuide trolling motor as well the 'Bonus Bucks' are doubled to $500. Kris has been competing at this level for the past seven years and is currently sitting in second spot in the National BREAM rankings, just 18 points off the competition lead with two rounds to go.

The Fishing Expo Stage will be a feature of the 2010 Brisbane Boat Show on 26-29 August. Running non-stop across the show's four days, the Fishing Expo Stage offers expert presenters, a live bream tournament weigh-in and merchandise giveaways. For the schedule of presentations see http://www.brisbaneboatshow.com.au/

POWERBOAT RACING

Team 3 owner Adam Gilbert has been involved in negotiations to purchase the Class 2 Dubai-based Victory catamaran. He is confident the sale has reached fruition and hopes to land the proven 36ft boat into Australia in November. The sale does not include engines, with Gilbert confirming he will install 525hp MerCruiser engines with the Italian BPM surface drives.
http://www.superboat.com.au/

Luke Durman will make a comeback to the Offshore Superboat Championships at Redcliffe on 18-19 September after missing the two North Queensland rounds due to the impending birth of his son, Oscar. Durman has not raced since round one off Newcastle, where he and throttleman Ross Willaton, aboard Maritimo, finished in second place behind team mate Aegean crewed by Tom Barry-Cotter and Pal Virik Nilsen. http://www.superboat.com.au/

World class talent at a national level returns to the Sydney International Regatta Centre in Penrith for the first time in two years as the Formula Powerboats Grand Prix series prepares to deliver its 2010 season 'grand finale' round over the weekend of 28-29 August. Close to 50 teams are expected to compete against boats from all over Australia. http://www.formulapowerboats.com.au/

POWERBOATS

Sydney dealer SBM Maritimo has introduced its clients to Maritimo Platinum Concierge, designed to make every part of the boating experience a pleasure.
The service aims to assist busy owners by managing every aspect of ownership, from refuelling and washing down to provisioning, cleaning up and making beds, starting engines and checking all systems before a day on the water. Maritimo Platinum Concierge staff can even deliver a vessel to a jetty to meet owners and their guests. http://www.maritimo.com.au/

IN BRIEF

If you think you can reverse a boat you can prove it at the Isuzu D-Max Reversing Challenge at the Brisbane Boat Show. If you make it to the end of the course without hitting any of the bollards your name will go into the prize draw to win $500 cash. http://www.brisbaneboatshow.com.au/

MARINE INDUSTRY

The Boating Industry Association of NSW (BIA) held a Careers Day and launched a new Cadetship Program at this year's Sydney International Boat Show. The two year program will combine real-life, hands-on work experience with formal study and qualifications relevant to the industry, which will set participants in good stead for a long, successful career within the boating industry. A pilot for the cadetship program is planned to take place in Sydney in 2011, with a focus on students due to complete year 12 in 2010. Details on how to apply will be released over the next few months at http://www.bia.org.au/

FORTHCOMING EVENTS

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

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

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

Sep 4 - 5 - Darwin Boat Show, Darwin Convention Centre.
http://www.darwinboatshow.com.au/

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

Sep 18 - 19 -- Australian Offshore Powerboat Championship Round 4, Redcliff, Queensland http://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. http://www.uhpbc.net/

Oct 2 - 3 - Heaven Can Wait (HCW) 24 Hour Yacht Race and the associated One Lap Dash will be held on Lake Macquarie, near Newcastle, NSW. The event raises money for the NSW Cancer Council and Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie.
http://www.heavencanwait.com.au/

Oct 8 - 10 - Club Marine Mandurah Boat Show, Mandurah Offshore Fishing & Sailing Club WA http://www.mandurahboatshow.com/

Oct 15 - Barra Bounty, Rockhampton's five-star fishing event staged on the Fitzroy River, where anglers compete to tag and release Barramundi.
http://www.capricornholidays.com.au/

Oct 15 - 17 -- Sunraysia hosts the first ever UIM World Unlimited Displacement Powerboat Championships at Gol Gol NSW, approximately ten kilometres north east of Mildura. http://www.fastwater.com.au/

Oct 16 - 17 -- 2010 Classic and Wooden Boat Festival, National Maritime Museum, Darling Harbour, Sydney - 100 boats from graceful yachts to streamlined speedboats, a festive marketplace selling all things nautical and an outstanding display of boating products. Discover the skills of traditional maritime craftsmen including blacksmiths, rope knotters, caulkers and sail makers. http://www.anmm.gov.au/

Photograph: Kris Hickson