MAKING WAVES

Sydney Harbour Regatta

A litter of temporary moorings has been laid off Parriwi Road, and host Middle Harbour Yacht Club has readied the rations, as more than 200 yachts with thousands of sailors arrive to do battle in the annual Sydney Harbour Regatta this weekend. The regatta is a sight to behold and, it should be noted by other harbour users, an event demanding a wide berth. Stick to the right-hand side of the channel when heading upstream, pass approaching boats port to port, and abide by the non-wash signage in Middle Harbour and off the host club in particular. Racing sailors are warned not to cut in front of ferries. Light sea breezes are forecast.

Rosehill Boat Show

Next weekend, the spotlight falls on Sydney's western suburbs for all the right reasons — the 10th anniversary Rosehill Boat Show. Promoted as an end-of-year clearance sale, the down-to-earth show has more than 60 exhibitors this year. Everything from knockabout tinnies to cool runabouts, sports fishers and tow boats, plus a bevy of back-to-basics paddle craft, will be for sale. Look for the bargain run-out models and, thanks to low interest rates, attractive pay-by-the-week deals. There are boat-share businesses, boat-hire operators and boating clubs such as Pacific Boating offering alternative ways on to the water. But fishing is the big hook. In addition to the Supertank and its performing fish, visitors will be able to watch live weigh-ins from the Yamaha BREAM Australian Open taking place concurrently on Sydney Harbour. The 10th Rosehill Trailer Boat Show is open next weekend (March 16-17) from 9am to 5pm. Admission and parking are free at the Rosehill Gardens Racecourse on James Ruse Drive. See bia.org.au/Rosehill/.

Pittwater Sail Expo

The second annual Pittwater Sail Expo will be staged at the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club, Newport, next weekend (March 16-17). The free community event will feature more than 35 exhibitors of yachts, catamarans, cool sailing kit and services. The big brands on show include Bavaria, Beneteau, Dehler, Dufour, Hanse, Hunter, Island Packet, Jeanneau, J-Yachts, Lagoon, US Yachts, Seawind, Sunbeam and X-Yachts. The spread of marine goods and services covers charter, rigging, sail makers, sail cleaning, marine electrical, batteries, ropes, insurance and more. At the same time, the club will open its doors to the world of yacht racing, cruising, kids' sailing and training. Shuttle bus access. For more information see rpayc.com.au/pittwater-sail-expo.