5 days Ago
The stunningalpine backdrop, the beauty of old boats and a uniquelyquirky vibe, have built an international reputation forNelson’s Antique & Classic Boat Show, celebrating its25th anniversary in March 2025. Back in 1999 therewere 35 home-built clinkers and runabouts on the lake. Thisyear 150 boats are expected, and spectators are promisedclassic Italian motorboats, early Hamilton jets, veteransailing craft, 1950’s runabouts, and a surprisingly speedymotorized bathtub.
The Boat Show was this year (2024)named the ‘most unique boat show on the planet’, by theUS based ‘media empire and web forum’ WoodyBoater.Nautical photographer Steve Lapkin has attended severalshows and the accolade ran alongside his photos of the 2024show on the popular website. “It’s official, theworld has spoken, this is the most unique boat show on theplanet, new, old, in a convention center, small old marina,this show exhibits the uniqueness of what is possible inboat design.
I love it,” wrote Matt Smith who founded theWoodyBoat site in 2007. Billed as a weekend of‘Glorious Hydromatic Relaxation’ there are displays onland from early morning and races on the lake in theafternoon, both days of the weekend. The NZ Antiqueand Classic Boatshow has built a reputation for slightlyquirky fun, typified by the hilarity as boaties run topull-start their motors for the Seagull dinghy race with its‘Le Mans’ start.
Judging is on Saturday, ahead ofthe evening awards ceremony at the Alpine Lodge. At stake isthe Jens Hansen Trophy where the judges are after good looksas well as history, construction, and a boat with a story totell. This year the NZ Antique & Classic Boat Show issupported by the Nelson Regional Development Agency inrecognition of the economic benefits it brings to theregion.
www.nzclassicboats.com.
