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.

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