Showtime at Viaduct Basin

By ROBIN BAILEY

The creme de la creme of new and used yachts and launches will feature in the Boating Industries Association On-the-Water Boat Show at the Viaduct Harbour next month.

The show will take place at a time when America's Cup syndicate activity heats up in the basin, with two challenging syndicates already sailing and Team New Zealand stepping up its training programme.

The public will be able to enjoy watching its sailing heroes in action, with the Farr MRX match-racing fleet based in the village for the Steinlager-Line 7 international match-racing series.

The On-the-Water Boat Show will use the syndicate bases which were occupied by Stars & Stripes and America True during the last America's Cup.

The syndicate sheds will house a wide range of chandlery equipment and fit-out suppliers, including engines. A spectacular floating exhibit will feature 75 boats ranging in size from 8m to 40m. A further 50 trailerable powerboats of all sizes, including inflatables and RIBs, will be located on a hard stand area.

A new feature introduced for the show this year will be a fishing pavilion, where the public will be able to enjoy the latest in fishing equipment and live demonstrations.

Following international boat show trends, the marina will be built around the boats on the water. A popular feature overseas, this arrangement makes for good viewing and easy accessibility.

The show will feature some of the finest new boats in the country, including new releases and models from New Zealand, Australia, America and other countries.

Bill Upfold Powerboat Design will present Boudica, a new, 16m mid-pilothouse boat, while the well-known Salthouse Marine Group will display Ranger, an 18.3m craft with an extended flybridge and many new features.

The Riviera 40 Platinum Flybridge Convertible, exhibited for the first time, will feature the dramatic styling developed for this popular new range of cruising launches.

Also demonstrating significant change is the Oliver Royale 400 from Oliver Marine International. Released late last year, the improved model features a new deck, flybridge and interior layout, as well as high quality fittings and features.

For gamefishing enthusiasts, Torkler Marine will show the Blackwatch 40 - one of the best of its high-speed, purpose-built range of gamefishing boats.

The popular Genesis boat range will also be represented.

Other action at the show will involve the Royal NZ Coastguard Federation giving rescue-boat demonstrations, using its latest equipment, introduction to sailing demonstrations, and a new marina system that enables trailerable-sized boats and jetskis to drive up and out of the water.

Where: Stars & Stripes / America True bases, Viaduct Harbour.

When: Friday, March 16, Saturday, March 17, Sunday, March 18.

Times: Friday, 10 am to 8 pm; Saturday, 10 am to 6 pm, Sunday, 10 am to 5 pm.