Antique and Classic Boat Show Mach 3 & 4

Media Release
Seresin Estate Antique and Classic Boat Show
Lake Rotoiti - Nelson Lakes National Park
March 3 & 4 2007

The eighth Seresin Estate Antique and Classic Boat Show at Lake Rotoiti in the Nelson Lakes National Park is pulling in entries from right around the country - there's a classic speed boat from Wanaka and from Northland comes last year's winner the eco-friendly Edwardian style launch Whio.

Organiser Pete Rainey says boating enthusiasts bring an incredible array of boats with them: "We would never have dreamed back in 2000 that we would have 170 boats register for the 2006 show ­ and we are anticipating we'll have even more this year," he said.

Rainey said the seven-year anniversary is a good opportunity to look at where the classic boating movement is heading.

"We have put the price up this year, from $10 to $15 per person, which is really stating this is not just a day out at the lake - it is an event that has gained recognition from the boating fraternity," he said. "We're also considering forming an NZ antique and classic boat trust to start a collection of classic boats, aiming eventually at a purpose-built museum at St Arnaud to foster and encourage interest in classic boating."

After registration on Saturday morning (March 3rd) there is time for boat viewing on the dry, then a sail past and an afternoon of action on the water with events ranging from the Seagull outboard race through to the children's rowing race. Sunday follows the same format.

Rainey says the judges of the Jens Hansen cup for the overall winning boat will be considering many factors: "The way the boat looks, the story behind the boat, the condition of the boat, the way it is constructed and engineered - it's not necessarily the most valuable or expensive boat that wins the ultimate prize at the show."

Last year's winner, Whio has become world famous after being Œcover girl' on the prestigious American magazine Wooden Boat. Rainey says it is a real tribute to the show that owner Peter Sewell is bringing her back again this year. Another highlight is expected to be eccentric Nelson designer Sam Laidlaw's pedal powered Victorian aquatic contrivance.

The boat show is an eco-friendly event and people are asked to respect the venue. DOC have recently released kiwi into the National Park very close to where the show takes place, so it is essential the NO DOGS rule is upheld. All boats will be checked for noxious aquatic weeds, and oil leaks. Boats will also be sprayed against Didymo on Sunday afternoon as people leave.

On Saturday night the major trophy prize-giving dinner will have nautical costumes mingling with country and western, and entertainment from Christchurch country band Rio Grande featuring Paddy Long on pedal steel guitar.

ENDS

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