Brisbane Boat Show: Plenty to see for the whole family
by AAP Medianet 14 Aug 2018 16:37 NZST
24-26 August 2018
As many as 450 boats from more than 50 exhibitors located across Queensland and beyond will fill 20,000m" of the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre as the Brisbane Boat Show opens for 3 days from 24th August 2018. With space now booked by exhibitors from both the government and the private sectors, whether it's a love of fishing, water skiing, wake boarding or just paddling around Australia's splendid waterways, the 2018 Brisbane Boat Show has something for every water-loving Queenslander.
Hovercrafts make their return to the Show this year, with members of the Queensland Sporting Hovercraft Club presenting one of the most unique on-water vessels ever conceived. Generally constructed by enthusiasts, these solo versions use a cushion of air to float above the surface of the water, while a giant fan situated behind the passenger provides forward propulsion. Because hovercrafts travel on a low-pressure cushion of air with the hull well clear of the surface, there is no bow wave or wash to damage the shoreline or disturb marine life.
Effective for use in both shallow and deep waters, hovercrafts easily berth on a beach and shore areas adjacent to waterways, with larger commercial versions around the world carrying hundreds of passengers on regular ferry services year-round.
Land-Sailing might sound like a contradiction, but that's exactly what BloKarts do, powered by the wind and reaching speeds of up to 100km per hour. A wheeled 'cockpit' is propelled via a single 4m sail. Two classes of Blokart will be on display at the Brisbane Boat Show, courtesy of the South East Queensland BloKart Club. The production class includes a fibreglass mast with a 4m sail as standard. The performance class is similar, but is generally sailed with a carbon mast and an enclosed cockpit called a pod. Ross Webster with the club said, "I became involved in BloKarting about 4 years ago, and since joining the club my sailing has improved out of sight. The club's emphasis is on an enjoyable family sport and for those wishing to compete, the club offers free coaching."
Making a welcome return this year, Bumper Boat rides for the kids are included with entry. Make your way to the giant inflatable pool and enjoy a break while the kids burn-off some energy having fun paddling around in their self-powered vessel. It's a much-anticipated activity for the kids to enjoy, while they also undertake the safety habit of wearing a life jacket and building confidence while boating. In between bumper boat rides, on-water demonstrations will feature the latest in stand-up paddleboards, pedalboards and kayaks.
With almost 5 million people enjoying our waterways each year in Australia, the Show includes plenty of other education and entertainment as well. Fishing master-classes and hand painting lure demonstrations are just a few of the many other activities included with the entry ticket.
The show is open each day from 10AM. Adult tickets are $15. Concessions are available for families, kids and seniors, with individual entry just $5 after 5PM (after 5PM tickets purchased onsite at the show only, excludes family tickets). Up to date details available at www.brisbaneboatshow.com.au.