Live From Lake Rotoiti, New Zealand
What a great way to start a show
Here we go, the 25th Anniversary NZ Antique and Classic Boat Show took place today on Lake Rotoiti today.
The run sheet of the day required all boats to be in the show area by 10.00am with the Captains briefing at 10.30 followed by absolute mayhem at the two launch ramps. That alone is good quality PG entertainment.
True to the international rules it’s not technically a show until someone gets towed in. Last year’s winner, Aqua Lark was one of many that needed assistance.
The on water events took place throughout the day with everything from sailing races to big HP powerboat races..
The shoreline was filled with hundreds of spectators who settled in for the day with picnics, cameras and lots of sunblock.
Steve spent most of the day on the water while I tried to capture the on-land stuff.
Great to see a younger generation taking an active part in the show from parking volunteers to the local sea scouts learning how to sail.
Future Americas Cup sailors perhaps.
Good coffee, whitebait fritters, and hot chips, while over in the big tent, exceptional food provided by the Mums and Dads and children as a fund raiser for their local school.
This is a gathering like no other in the country. Every year it brings freshly restored boats out of years of hibernation and they’ve all got a fascinating story to tell. There was even a scale model of the ultimate Woody Boat, Noah’s Ark.
Another day tomorrow with sunshine, lights winds and a warm 22c forecast.
The diversity of the watercraft is amazing. Nice to see so many being run on the water. It is unfortunate that there is not docking for the boats that are in the water. Looks like a festival atmosphere!
Great photos and story
Are life jackets a law there
If so scared to ask about an icy cold one
Thanks woodyboater
Mike yes it’s a requirement that everyone in the boat must wear a life jacket. Many wear the slim auto-inflate versions that don’t spoil the look of one’s classic boat.
Great pics Steve and especially in March! It is unfortunate that there isn’t a way for captions…
Looks like a fun show. Thanks for making the trip Steve.
Many thanks to Duster & Steve (ok, Matt too) nice variety of fun stuff! That Fairliner Torpedo is a long way from home, they were built down the street in Tacoma. Curt Erickson, our local Torpedo expert said that only 32 were ever built.
Hi Ron, actually the Fairliner was made here by Coromandel boat builder, Harry Nordberg.
Coming in a day late (maybe two days late since you are in NZ).
I LOVE that Turtle has a Snap-on decal on her aft!