Set sail on a vibrant yacht for Float Your Boat
Published on 16 March 2022
When Darren Vaux took over Marmong Point Marina five months ago, he was excited to co-host the most vivid sailing event on Lake Macquarie’s calendar – Float Your Boat.
“It was one of the things that actually attracted me to the marina, just that progressive nature around boating and attracting more recreational sailing to the water is something I really wanted to be a part of,” Mr Vaux said.
A passionate boatie himself, Darren has sailed in idyllic waters across the globe including the Mediterranean Sea, the Great Barrier Reef and the Whitsundays.
“I’ve been a boater my whole life, and so long as I am in or around the water, I am happy,” Mr Vaux said.
“But I’ve got to say my boating of choice is definitely some of the waterways around New South Wales and Lake Macquarie is right up there.”
Darren, who is also President of the Boating Industry Association, is encouraging like-minded boaties to host their own theatrical yacht alongside him at Council’s Float Your Boat event.
Lake Macquarie City Council Manager Arts, Culture and Tourism Jacqui Hemsley said more than 40 boaties were invited to register and help create spectacular water scenes, with the first parade held on Friday 24 June.
“Sailors dock their vessels at Marmong Point Marina, setting sail on dusk before skirting the western edge of the lake, passing Toronto and Coal Point on their way to Wangi Wangi,” Ms Hemsley said.
“It’s a truly unique experience that lures thousands of visitors and surrounding residents to Lake Macquarie to watch, which is great for local tourism operators.”
The flotilla will take to the water for a second night on Saturday 25 June, starting at Marmong Point before travelling to Warners Bay, Eleebana and Valentine before reaching Belmont.
All boats must be more than five metres in length and host more than 1000 light globes to create a shining sculpture.
“In the past, we’ve had a flying dolphin, a champagne bottle and even a giant goanna created from LED lights, so the only limit is your imagination,” Ms Hemsley said.
“We’re offering incentives of $400 to the first 20 people who register a vessel that will help cover the cost of things like lights and fuel.”
The event will run across 24 and 25 June 2022, with appealing cash prizes up for grabs, including a $2000 People’s Choice Award, a $1000 Mayor’s Best Boat Award for vessels 10m and over, and a $1000 Mayor’s Best Boat Award for vessels 5m and over.
Registrations to take part in Float Your Boat can be submitted at lakemac.com.au.