A Second Decade Of Hydromatic Relaxation

The NZ Antique and Classic Boat Show
Lake Rotoiti, Nelson Lakes National Park
March 5-7 2010

Boaties around New Zealand are being urged to clean out their bilges, pry open their varnish pots, decoke their boilers or whatever it takes to get to Lake Rotoiti in the Nelson Lakes National Park for a weekend of ‘Glorious Hydromatic Relaxation’.

The NZ Antique and Classic Boatshow embarks on its second decade in good heart, with 180 craft expected to register for the show, to be held on March 6 & 7.
Organiser Pete Rainey says the formula is now ‘tried and true’, based on boat displays on the land, and races on the water for vessels powered by steam, sail, oars and engines.

“Nelson’s Antique and Classic Boat Show has a reputation that is growing every year, mainly through word of mouth in the boating community,” he said. “It’s an irresistible attraction – the setting is spectacular, every boat has a story and the owners just get right into the informal and friendly spirit of the event.”

Rainey said the judges will be considering many factors as they look for the best overall boat, that takes home the Jens Hansen Trophy.

“They’re interested in how the boat looks, its history and condition and the way it’s constructed and engineered,” he said. “It’s not necessarily the most valuable or expensive boat that wins, but the one that stands out for the judges as being special, or memorable.”
There are other awards including prizes for best new restoration, best jet-propelled craft and the best themed display. This year there’s a new award for the best steam boat commemorating the input of Ron Culley, one of the earliest attendees of the show who is no longer well enough to take part.

Races will be held for yachts, row boats, seagull motored dinghies, poppers, canoes, child rowers and swimmers. Responding to demand from attendees there will be a Sunday morning longer race up the lake, limited to non-planing hulls or motors 5hp and under.
Social activities include an informal barbecue at the lake on Friday night and a dinner and prize giving at the Alpine Lodge on Saturday night – naval dress suggested but optional.
All boats will be checked for noxious aquatic weeds and oil leaks before entering the water; and boaties are reminded that DOC have released Kiwi into the National Park very close to where the show takes place, so no antique and classic dogs please!

ends