FOR the past 50 years a fleet of fishing vessels has left Port Stephens venturing out to sea to take on the Billfish that travel through our waters in a fishing competition. The 2012 Nautilus Boat Insurance Interclub Tournament is known both nationally and internationally for the excellent sport that it provides.
Since the inaugural event was conducted 50 years ago, the competition has changed along with the boats and the gear used to capture the amazing marlin and sailfish that frequent our ocean waters. Nowadays vast majority of fish caught are tagged and released. Only a few specimens are brought back for the traditional weigh in which is held on the Nelson Bay Foreshore. The weigh in is a spectacle to behold and the fish weighed eventually make it to a plate.
And whereas the tournament amounted to a gathering of dedicated game fishermen, today the 2012 Nautilus Boat Insurance Interclub Tournament is made possible by corporate sponsorship. Today, anglers fish from dedicated game fishing boats, covering the full gamut of trailer boats through to multi-million dollar purpose built boats.
To celebrate the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the tournament celebrations, organised by the NSW Game Fishing Association and the Nelson Bay and District Business Chamber include a huge festival.
Activities include a Free Blues Wine n Food festival running March 3rd and 4th. A gala dinner on March 3rd on the Nelson Bay Foreshore includes a performance not to be forgotten by one of Australia’s Best, Jan Preston, followed by a spectacular fireworks display.
Winner of 7 Music Awards, Jan plays festivals and concerts throughout Australia, NZ, and Europe, tours her own shows and writes music for films and television (such as the 2000 to 2006 theme to Australian Story). Tickets for Jan Preston at $80 go on sale this week.
The celebrations start on February 18-19 and continue on February 25-26. In addition to the 2012 Nautilus Boat Insurance Interclub Tournament, the Blues Wine and Food festival with great food wine and music on the Nelson Bay Foreshore is the highlight. There will be great Blues along with all the favourite elements of the highly successful Tastes at the Bay festival.
This festival will offer a fundraising opportunity for Camp Quality. “Camp Quality literally puts laughter back into the lives of children living with cancer, we’re proud to be able to fundraise for Camp Quality at this event” says Marian Sampson event coordinator.
This new festival will has it all, and along with the wonderful free music on four stages there’s the fantastic food and wine for the grown ups and there will also be children’s shows with clowns a petting farm, markets and more are scheduled over an amazing three weekends.
To find out more visit www.nelsonbayfestivals.com.au or call 02 4984 4751.
