KEY POINTS:
Many people view boat shows as a place where manufacturers and distributors show off their latest wares and where people go to buy a new boat, update an existing one or buy something new and special for their "pride and joy".
Of course, a good boat show is all that and more. However, it can also be a great place for those curious about boating to find out what all the fuss is about.
While Auckland is well known as the City of Sails and our per capita boat ownership is one of the highest in the world, there are still a huge number of Aucklanders who do not go boating, have never been boating and would not have a clue about how to go boating.
Realising that, organisers of this year's Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show have made a big effort to make the event and the whole pastime of boating as accessible as possible.
"To an outsider, boating can seem like a bit of a secret society," says organiser Dave Gibbs of Premiere Exhibitions. "Some of the language is a bit strange and, if you don't know what you are doing, you can get into trouble.
"The flipside of that is that it is really easy to learn what you need to know and, once you've gone boating, you'll be hooked.
"It is a great way to spend time with your family. There is an old saying that is just as true today as it was when it was first coined: `The family that boats together, stays together'."
Gibbs says making things as accessible as possible for newcomers to boating was the prime motivation for two of this year's main attractions: the Toyota Marine Finance Discover Boating Centre and the introduction, for the first time ever, of the Premiere Class Boat Fair: a selection of top-quality second-hand boats at affordable prices.
Gibbs says the Toyota Centre, which was first introduced at last year's show, was a huge success.
"We gathered together organisations that help people get into boating and who teach safe boating. We added our `Boating Guy' to offer free, impartial advice on just about every aspect of boating and we ran some fun competitions for children. This year, we have gone even further and installed the Hutchwilco Pool, a 10m by 5m on-water display arena."
Gibbs says the Hutchwilco Pool will be a real focal point for the centre with demonstrations and displays and even a kids' fishing competition.
"There will be a constant stream of exciting activities in, around and on the pool," he says. "The events will be professionally run and feature high-profile MCs such as Rob Hewitt and Adam Clancy."
Gibbs says there will be demonstrations on how to right a kayak; a fishing competition in which children try and catch chocolate fish while avoiding a large cable; fun quizzes about an on-water safety show and demonstrations from the Police Dive Squad.
A top free-diver will also show how long they can hold their breath underwater. While they are doing this, children will be invited to form a chain, each child holding their breath in turn as they try to outlast the free-diver.
Using large wind fans, top young Optimist sailors will take turns to demonstrate their skills and talk about the fun they have sailing in these entry-level yachts.
There will also be a repeat of last year's popular colouring competition. Children can either get an entry form in the Discover Boating Centre and colour it in there (probably while their parents enjoy a welcome break in the cafe alongside), or they can download one beforehand from the show's website (www.boatshow.co.nz), colour it in and bring it to the show.
There will also be a Nowcasting demonstration from the Coastguard, a fun Out At Night, Show A Light display and a continual stream of entertaining and informative videos on the large screens.
Despite the emphasis on "family fun", Gibbs is keen to stress that there is also a serious side to Discover Boating Centre.
"The Toyota Marine Finance Discover Boating Centre houses crucial safety and regulatory organisations like Coastguard, Auckland Regional Council, Environment Waikato, Water Safety NZ, the Maritime Police and the Ministry of Fisheries," he says.
"These organisations have a wealth of knowledge about how to go boating and fishing safely and how to learn the skills required. They are able to answer all the questions a new boatie or someone thinking of getting into boating might have.
"They are there right through the show and their advice is free."
The Boating Guy will also be available throughout the show and based in the Toyota Marine Finance Discover Boating Centre. Employed by the show's organisers, The Boating Guy is an extremely knowledgeable and experienced boatie, fisherman and diver who offers free, impartial and practical advice on virtually any aspect of boating.
"Want to buy a boat but not sure what sort is best for you and your family? Simply talk to The Boating Guy. He's not there to sell anything; he's just there to help. He will try and find out what type of boating you plan to do, both now and in the future, and then suggest which boats at the show are best for that type of boating.
"If he's not too busy, he'll even take you to their stands and introduce you to the right people."
The Hutchwilco NZ Boat Show is on at the ASB Showgrounds in Greenlane on May 15-18.
* Any queries regarding Weekend Marine, contact marine editor Mike Rose on (09) 483 8284; 021 735 015 or email: mrpr@xtra.co.nz.
