MAKING WAVES

By InvestSMART · 14 Sep 2013

By InvestSMART ·
14 Sep 2013

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Prepare to set sail The October long weekend marks the official start of the boating season. Given that the same weekend is the RAN International Fleet Review, attracting a veritable armada of warships, tall ships and spectator craft to Sydney Harbour, there's a certain urgency to pre-season boating preparations. The major causes of breakdown at sea are engine failure, fuel shortage or contamination, mechanical issues and battery failure. Trailers and moorings also need maintenance. Roads and Maritime Services is a rich source of information about pre-season preparation. See maritime.nsw.gov.au.

Free discovery day

Discover Sailing Day on Sunday, October 27, offers a free dip of the toes and hoist of the sails to help foster greater participation in sailing. You get a short sail with an experienced hand, get to look around the host sailing club's facilities, and discover its sailing courses for big and little kids. Greenhorns as young as five can take part when accompanied by a parent or guardian. Contact the Discover Sailing Host at your local sailing club for details. More is available at discoversailing.org.au.

Tackle tinnies

The Western Sydney Tinnie & Tackle Expo follows interstate trends in hooking up with the 4WD and Adventure Show to create a richer outdoor-lifestyle experience. The timely annual event, to be held at Sydney Dragway in Eastern Creek, will offer plenty of keenly priced fishing kit, trailer boats, paddle craft and water toys, as well as fishing and cooking tips, camping information, 4WD gear and off-road demos. Given our passion for big 4WD tow vehicles, the synergy between the shows makes sense. The combined event will run October 18-20. Details at tinnietackleexpo.com.au.

Fish-friendly marina

Not everyone embraces marina development, but the piscatorial world appears to be fine with it. At least that's the suggestion after Marmong Point Marina on Lake Macquarie was recently awarded fish-friendly accreditation. The award, developed by the NSW Department of Primary Industries in collaboration with the Marina Industries Association and the Boating Industry Association of NSW, aims to create better working practices among marina operators. Marmong Point Marina is the third such accredited facility in NSW. Not that marinas and fish are strangers ... just throw some chips in the water to find out.

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Frequently Asked Questions about this Article…

What marks the official start of the boating season in October and why is pre-season preparation important?

The October long weekend is treated as the official start of the boating season. In years when the RAN International Fleet Review takes place the same weekend — bringing warships, tall ships and lots of spectator craft into Sydney Harbour — there’s extra urgency to finish pre-season boat preparation so you’re safe and ready for busy waters.

What are the major causes of breakdown at sea I should watch for during pre-season boat maintenance?

The article highlights the main causes of breakdown at sea as engine failure, fuel shortage or fuel contamination, mechanical issues and battery failure. It also notes that trailers and moorings need attention as part of pre-season checks.

Where can I find reliable guidance on pre-season boat preparation and safety?

Roads and Maritime Services is recommended as a rich source of pre-season preparation information. The article points readers to maritime.nsw.gov.au for guidance on safety checks, maintenance and official advice.

What is Discover Sailing Day and who can take part?

Discover Sailing Day (listed in the article as Sunday, October 27) is a free event that lets newcomers try a short sail with an experienced hand, view host sailing club facilities and learn about sailing courses for all ages. Kids as young as five can participate when accompanied by a parent or guardian. For host details see discoversailing.org.au or contact your local sailing club.

What can I expect to see at the Western Sydney Tinnie & Tackle Expo and when does it run?

The Western Sydney Tinnie & Tackle Expo (running October 18–20 at Sydney Dragway, Eastern Creek) combines fishing and outdoor lifestyle displays. Expect keenly priced fishing kit, trailer boats, paddle craft, water toys, fishing and cooking tips, camping information, 4WD gear and off‑road demos. More details are at tinnietackleexpo.com.au.

What does a fish-friendly marina accreditation mean and which marina was recently accredited?

Fish-friendly marina accreditation is an award developed by the NSW Department of Primary Industries with the Marina Industries Association and the Boating Industry Association of NSW to promote better working practices among marina operators. Marmong Point Marina on Lake Macquarie was recently awarded this accreditation and is the third facility in NSW to receive it.

Do marinas harm local fish populations, or can they be compatible with healthy fisheries?

The article suggests marinas and fish aren’t necessarily at odds — the fish-friendly accreditation program aims to create better practices so marinas can operate in ways that are compatible with local fish habitat. Marmong Point Marina’s accreditation is presented as an example.

How should I use the timing of major events like the RAN International Fleet Review to plan my boating activities?

Major events such as the RAN International Fleet Review bring extra vessel traffic and spectators to waterways, so the article advises completing pre-season maintenance early (engines, fuel, batteries, trailers and moorings) and checking official resources so you’re prepared for busier conditions.