Big splash for Auckland boat show

Water is the main theme of the 2001 boat show - down to a massive man-made lake to host participants' demonstrations.

Organisers of the Hutchwilco-backed show decided to build a giant swimming pool so the public could see some of the displays in action.

Only once before in the boat show's 49-year history has a pool been included. That was in 1979.

The 127m by 49m pool took two weeks to build. It took four days to fill to its 12 million litres capacity. After the outer wall was completed it was lined with special plastic weighing 3.6 tonnes, lowered into the showgrounds by crane.

The project cost around $100,000.

The pool will be the venue for a mixture of water activities including waterskiing, formula 3 powerboat racing and wake-boarding.

There will also be rescue demonstrations.

The Westpac helicopter will perform a simulated rescue from a burning vessel today and on Saturday.

Organisers hope up to 60,000 people will attend.

The show, at the Auckland Showgrounds, runs until Monday.

www.nzherald.co.nz/marine