Kids’ guide to the Auckland On Water Boat Show
by Isla McKechnie 28 Sep 2018 04:27 PDT
28 September 2018
O-Pro, seen here sailing in Denmark, makes its public debut at the Auckland On the Water Boat Show © O-Pro
This year’s Auckland On Water Boat Show is lining up to be a great one for kids with new sailing gear, Sammy the Seagull and other goodies for them on the day.
Set in the heart of the City of Sails, New Zealand’s biggest on-water boat show showcases more than 200 domestic and international marine businesses, including dozens of vessel manufacturers and boat brokers. Perfectly timed to lead into the summer boating season, Auckland On Water Boat Show is the only boating expo in New Zealand where visitors can experience such a wide range of vessels on and off the water.
The Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron is back and as a show special, they’re waiving the usual squadron joining fee. They’ll also be running learn-to-sail course specials on stand to make it easier than ever for your future America’s Cup sailors to perfect their skills.
Head across to Doyle Sails to pick up balloons and while you’re there, keep an eye out for Sammy the Seagull. He’ll be cruising around the show on Saturday and Sunday with special treats for the kids, plus you can get your Coastguard membership sorted for free assistance out on the water.
O-Pro has teamed up with RS Sailing and Rooster for a one stop shop for kids’ gear. Created to extend the life of an Optimist to keep children in sailing and having fun, the O-Pro is created by adding a bow extension to an original Optimist. RS Sailing’s RS Feva is the perfect pathway to a lifetime in sailing; offering a stepping stone at the crucial time in sailing lives with exciting performance, modern styling and practical features.
The Navy will be onsite, giving our next generation naval greats a chance to get up close with an in-service vessel at the show. Just returned from an operation in Fiji; we’re excited to have HMNZS Taupo join us at the show. Come aboard Saturday or Sunday and meet the officers and crew, look around, ask questions and hear stories of the high seas.
Don’t forget that kids under 15 go free when accompanied by an adult with an entry ticket. Grab tickets here to take advantage of our special early bird price and discover how to enter the draw for one of 21 great prizes.
The show is in its 20th year and is New Zealand’s largest on-water boat show. It’s also the last year the show will be held in the ANZ Viaduct Events Centre for the foreseeable future. The show finishes on Sunday 30th September, and on Tuesday 2nd October the centre will be turned over to Emirates Team New Zealand as they begin to create their headquarters for their Cup campaign.
From next year the show will shift slightly to spread around the Viaduct Harbour, creating a buzzing atmosphere in the heart of Auckland’s marine precinct.
Website: auckland-boatshow.com