POWERBOATS
Haines Hunter has recently released the 575 ProFish with a deep-V hull design combining a balance between performance and stability, while the fully-fibreglassed stringer system ensures maximum hull strength in most inshore and offshore conditions. The 575 ProFish has been designed specifically for serious anglers, with the standard hardcore fishing package allowing people to hit the water with minimal financial outlay, but an impressive list of optional extras is also available. With a hull-only weight of 850kg the boat/motor/trailer package can be towed behind the average family sedan.
Australian boat builder Mustang is releasing on the world market the 550 Sports Euro at the Sanctuary Cove Boat Show on 20 – 23 May. The 550 Sports Euro is currently in production at the company’s Gold Coast manufacturing facility. Entertaining is a key feature of the design with a very roomy foredeck entertaining area, well laid out cockpit and a spacious Eurobridge with sun lounges and a barbecue.
POWERBOAT RACING
Australia’s only representative in the New Zealand offshore superboat series Team 3 secured first place in Napier in round four of an eight round series. Team 3 throttleman Craig Archer and driver Steve Nugent were faced with 40 knot easterly winds and four metre swells. Since the boat was bought by John Gilbert from the Victory team in Dubai it has been fully repowered with a pair of 525hp Mercury Race inboards. Currently the boat is up for sale and is off to race in Wellington on 27 March. Check out AOPC.com.au for more details.
Norway’s Marit Strømøy will become the first woman to race in the Class 1 World Powerboat Championship for over a decade when she makes her debut at the Brazilian Grand Prix in Rio de Janeiro, 26-28 March. Born in Sandefjord, Norway, and now living in Oslo, thirty-three-year-old Strømøy made her racing debut in 1989 at the age of twelve. Class-1.com.
NEWS BRIEFS
NSW Maritime has stepped up its ongoing campaign for safer waterways by launching a new web-based resource to help improve boaters’ understanding of water-traffic rules. The online guide offers boaters an interactive experience to help them with a range of practical navigation information, such as how to understand and use day time and night time navigation buoys and marks. Check out the Vessel Navigation Interactive Guide.
No matter whether you're an avid yachty, casual fisherman, dedicated beach walker, summertime boaty, keen historian or local resident the ORCV's Rip Tour on Port Phillip has been a highlight for years because it is informative and educational. The next Rip Tour is set for April 18, 2010 and it always sells out, so get in early. More details.
FORTHCOMING EVENTS
Mar 11 - 8th Phil Renouf Memorial Lecture at the National Maritime Museum, Darling Harbour, Sydney at 6.15pm -8.30pm. Young men mucking about in old boats will be presented by Warwick Turner, one of the founders of the Sydney Heritage Fleet (SHF) who was instrumental in saving and restoring the Lady Hopetoun back in the 1960s. Turner has had a life-long passion and interest in steam vessels and their restoration, in particular the inland paddle-steamers of previous centuries. ANMM.gov.au.
Mar 19 – 21 -- 2010 Brisbane Tinnie and Tackle Show, RNA Showgrounds, Brisbane. TinnieAndTackle.com.au.
Mar 20 – 21 -- 2010 Australian Superboat Championships, Round 1 at Temora, NSW. V8superboats.com.au.
Mar 26 - 28 -- Club Marine Trailer Boat Fishing Tournament, Port Stephens NSW. 1500 competitors and 500 boats compete for around $100,000 in prizes. More details.
Mar 27 – Water Skiing World Record attempt at Strahan, Tasmania. SkiRecord.com.
Mar 28 – April 4 -- Gladstone Harbour Festival - free entertainment, live music, street parades, fireworks and the spectacle of the yachts arriving after completing the Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht race. GladstoneFestival.com.
April 2 – Good Friday
April 2 – 3 -- 2010 Australian Superboat Championships, Round 2 at Griffith, NSW. V8superboats.com.au.
April 4 – 11th Solo Tasman Challenge from New Plymouth, New Zealand to Mooloolaba, Australia. Solo-tasman.co.nz.
April 6 - Information night at the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, Rushcutters Bay, Sydney on diesel engine maintenance with Dave Giddings of Drive Marine Services. All welcome. Please book at CYCA reception on 8292-7800 or reception@cyca.com.au.
April 10 - 11 -- Australian Offshore Superboat Championship - Round 1, Newcastle. AOPC.com.au.
April 16 – 18 -- The Croatia city of Split will host the opening round of the 2010 Powerboat P1 World Championship season. PowerboatP1.com.
Photograph: Haines Hunter’s 575 ProFish