Weekly Powerboats & Fishing Summary

Summary for w/b - 18 July, 2006 12pm

POWERBOATS & FISHING
Ross Willaton and Luke Durman, racers of the diesel powered Simrad boat, were crowned Australia's Class One Offshore Powerboat Champions on the Gold Coast at the annual offshore powerboat awards presentation night.

Australian sports cruiser manufacturer, Mustang Marine, will be displaying the new look 3000SC at next month's Sydney International Boat Show, August 3 - 8. Formally badged the 2900SC, the contemporary designed vessel has key additions stemming from customer feedback received since the model's world release in May.

Savage boats released two new cuddy cabin models, the 540 and 520 Bluewater at the Melbourne Boat Show. The design features a modern cabin, with a tinted curved three-piece windscreen with slick black frame.

Barnardos Australia has recently announced a new partnership with Hooksafe, aimed at promoting child safety and generating funds to assist Australian kids in need. Hooksafe is a re-useable fishing hook storage cover that fits most recreational hooks and lures, protecting the user from dangerous hook accidents.

YA & RYA AGREEMENT
The Royal Yachting Association President (RYA), The Princess Royal, impressed nearly 100 dignitaries and key personnel from the maritime industry when she attended the launch of RYA Training in Australia on Thursday at the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia.

Yachting Australia (YA) and the RYA signed an in principle agreement regarding the delivery of training in Australia. The agreement will see the two organisations cooperating to offer qualifications in Australia endorsed by the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency at Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster levels.

TRAINING
Complete your Yachting Australia Safety and Sea Survival (YA SSSC) full and update course in time for racing north. Pacific Sailing School in Sydney is running a YA SSSC next Saturday and Sunday July 22 - 23. Cost $395. The SSSC Update Course's practical component starts 2pm Sunday, July 23 and the theory and exam will be on Monday evening, July 24. Please call Pacific Sailing School 02 9326 2399

MARINE INDUSTRY
The Boating Industry Association of Queensland has put forward a six-point plan for the government to follow in any future marine rezonings. The plan was resolved at a national summit in Brisbane to consider future introduction of Marine Protection Areas in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia.

The recent Federal budget is expected to have a big impact on the Brisbane International Boat Show to be held at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, August 30 to September 3. Boat registrations in Queensland at the end of June were 202,958 - up from 193,964 at the same time in 2005.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS
July 20 - 23 -- Trading Post Adelaide Boat Show, Adelaide Convention Centre.

Aug 3 - 8 -- Sydney International Boat Show, Sydney Convention Centre, Darling Harbour.

More information at www.boatingoz.com.au or subscribe to receive weekly email news with links.

Photo: Savage New Bluewater 540