Steam into success

COLIN SMITH

PADDLE POWER: Sam Laidlaw of Nelson paddles his Victorian water bike at last year's classic boat show on Lake Rotoiti.

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Steamboat enthusiasts will have a new trophy to compete for at this weekend's New Zealand Antique and Classic Boat Show at Lake Rotoiti.

The Ron Culley Steam Trophy will make its inaugural appearance in the prize cabinet, and will be awarded by Mr Culley's wife Ursula to the "best steamboat on the lake".

The trophy was designed by Mrs Culley's brother, Nelson drawing and design tutor Bernie Stokes, from the Centre for Fine Woodworking at Wakapuaka.

It has been created in recognition of Mr Culley, a classic boat stalwart and advocate of the show, who is no longer well enough to take part.

Mr Culley, a former Canterbury University physics and astronomy technician, has added a picturesque component to the show in years past with his self-built steam launch Anna-Louise.

Mr Stokes says the idea for the trophy came from Mrs Culley, who contributed to the design – essentially an abstract form in black powder-coated stainless steel on a plinth, resting on a kauri base.

Antique and classic boat show founder and organiser Pete Rainey reckons this year's show is shaping up to be a record year for steamboat entries, and will include boats from Christchurch and Omarama.

He says 180 craft are expected to register this year. By the middle of this week, 125 entries were already in hand, more than ever before at a similar time.

"The formula is now tried and true, based on boat displays on the land, and races on the water for vessels powered by steam, sail, oars and engines," Mr Rainey says.

Judges will consider many factors as they look for the best overall boat, whose owner will take home the Jens Hansen Trophy.

"It's not necessarily the most valuable or expensive boat that wins, but the one that stands out for the judges as being special or memorable."

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

Races will be held for yachts, rowboats, dinghies with Seagull motors, poppers, canoes and swimmers. A longer race up Lake Rotoiti has been added to the programme. It starts on Sunday morning and is limited to non-planing hulls or motors of five horsepower and under.

The Department of Conservation has released kiwi into the area close to where the show takes place, so no dogs are allowed.

• The New Zealand Antique and Classic Boat Show, March 6 and 7, Lake Rotoiti, Nelson Lakes National Park. Boats on display from 9.30am Saturday, events begin after an 11.30am briefing. Tickets $15 per person or $20 for a weekend pass. Free entry for school age children Tickets available on site (no presales); eftpos available.

- © Fairfax NZ News