Press release
March 5th 2009
The doors are open, Auckland International Boat Show 2009!
The doors are officially open at the Auckland International Boat Show 2009. This weekend until Sunday March 9th the
Viaduct Marine Harbour Village will be buzzing full of people from 10am until 6.00pm each day, checking out the latest
display of New Zealand and international marine products. This year the show has seen 210 total boating exhibitors,
which spreads across 7 total pavilions and the huge purpose built Boat Show marina and bridge floating bridge. “I think
the great number of exhibitors shows the marine industry recognizes the Boat Show as the ultimate tool in promoting
their wares to a boat loving audience,” says Auckland International Boat Show Executive Director Peter Busfield.
“It’s especially great to see a wider and more diverse range of products on offer. From a magical $29 solution that
keeps your windscreen clear in the rain, to a fold away dingy, an incredible new bio fuel catamaran and the latest in
navigational equipment – there’s so much to see here at the show,” he says. Unique to New Zealand and always a popular
attraction is the Earthrace boat showcase. Earthrace’s aggressive, futuristic styling first featured at the Auckland
International Boat Show 2005. The 24m (78ft) wavepiercing trimaran, designed and built in New Zealand, has since broken
the speed record around the world, fuelled by biodiesel.
A special treat for the show comes from the Classic Yacht Association who will be displaying several boats that have
undergone extensive restoration. The classic ‘Waitangi’ will no doubt turn a few heads with a length of 74ft and a
waterline length of just 38ft. Waitangi was launched in 1894 to the design and build of Robert Logan Senior. She is the
largest surviving early Logan racing yacht and a regular competitor in the Classic Yacht Association of New Zealand
racing fleet. Another addition sees the new Sky City Bar open in a prime position overlooking the central water. The
mezzanine floor area bar is set amongst the food stalls and music area and is stocked with a selection of beverage and
food offerings.
To present the new look event comes experienced and passionate yachting commentator Peter Montgomery. As the new face of
the Auckland International Boat Show for 2009 Montgomery brings his extensive boating knowledge and enthusiastic
commentary to the air waves.Another interesting feature for boat enthusiasts will be the Auckland Traditional Boat
Building School who demonstrate the true spirit of Kiwi DIY as they work on a boating project live at the show!
Plus guests can once again go in the draw to win the impressive gate prize - A luxury sailing cruise in Tonga and
flights for two people thanks to the Moorings.
The show is sponsored by Boating New Zealand, Auckland City Council and organised by the Marine Industry Association of
New Zealand. It coincides with the Auckland Festival and Auckland Cup Week, in the Three Event Weekend organised by
Tourism Auckland.
ends