MAKING WAVES

RAN harbour party

Sydney Harbour will be chockers on the October long weekend when as many as 40 warships, 17 tall ships and 8000 naval personnel from more than 20 nations — not to mention all the spectator craft— will celebrate the International Fleet Review. A centenary commemoration of the first Royal Australian Navy fleet to enter Sydney Harbour, the program will include a parade of tall ships, the arrival of warships, a ceremonial fleet review, gun salutes, fly-bys, a fireworks display and light show, plus open days for pre-purchased ticket holders on many of the ships. Special conditions and restrictions will apply. See tinyurl.com/mkptvbe or navy.gov.au/ifr for details.

Sailing awards

Nominations are now open for the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia's Ocean Racer of the Year Awards to be announced on December 11. Categories include ocean racing yachtsman of the year, the Sally Gordon memorial trophy for the ocean crew person of the year, ocean veteran of the year, ocean rookie of the year, and ocean navigator of the year. Eligible individuals can be nominated before November 18. See cyca.com.au.

Expo expands

In just its third year, the Gold Coast International Marine Expo is the fastest-growing boat show in the country. Organisers have announced an extra 20 per cent of exhibition space to meet demand for the non-profit event from November 1 to 3. Described as breathing life back into the marine industry, the expo is expected to double in size during the next five years. Held at the Gold Coast Marine Precinct in Coomera, the event is very much a family-boating affair, with more than 300 marine brands on offer this year.

Princess's crown

Adopting the tenet that bigger is better, British luxury boat builder Princess has added a new 35-metre super-yacht to its growing range of M Class luxury craft. The 35M follows the release of its flagship 40M last year, which boasts the world's biggest resin-infused production hull. In keeping with the kinds of clients the yard covets, the new 35M will be a semi-custom motor yacht. Princess says it will have a long range to cross oceans. An innovative aft cockpit and transom area will create an informal "beach club" feel, with a winch and runway system for launching the tender and jet skis. The only problem in Sydney will be finding somewhere to keep it due to a dearth of big marina berths. Images and more at princessyachts.com.