The NZ Antique and Classic Boat Show

Battered dinghies, sleek cedar kayaks, power boating legends and clunky clinkers – hours of effort from ‘blokes in sheds’ will be displayed at Lake Rotoiti in the Nelson Lakes National Park on March 3 & 4 in a weekend of ‘Glorious Hydromatic Relaxation’.

The NZ Antique and Classic Boatshow is now in its 14th year, and continues to grow in the number and quality of craft presented, as well as the number of people attending to view the boats and the action. Organiser Pete Rainey says it’s become a Mecca for those who love the fine lines of a well constructed craft.

“There’s a great deal of passion that goes into restoration, building replicas and researching the history of old boats,” he says. “In some ways it’s the last refuge of the backyard builder – so far you don’t need a building permit for a boat!”

A project of Rainey’s own is one that will be on show. He and business partner Glenn Common are part way through a painstaking restoration of the historic hydroplane Elray III.

“Elray III is returning to the lake where it achieved speeds well in excess of 140mph back in late '60s,” Rainey says. “The North Islander who owned it used to bring it to the annual Lake Rotoiti power boat regatta on a circuit of competition successes around New Zealand and Australia.”

Rainey says there are some very interesting boats coming from North Island this year to compete for the first time in the Antique and Classic Boat Show, including a 1947 Chris-Craft racing runabout.

The format on both days is the same – on-shore displays in the morning and races on the lake in the afternoon. Judging will take place on Saturday, ahead of an evening awards dinner at the Alpine Lodge. Rainey says judging for Jens Hansen Trophy is not all about looks, with the judges also looking at history, construction and a boat with a story to tell.”

There are other awards including prizes for best new restoration, best steamboat, best jet-propelled craft and best themed display. 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.

Event listed by Jacq Bell

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