Where do all the people gather to be educated and entertained by a fantastic line of if interesting speakers? The Better Boating Lounge. This year the lounge welcomes guests who have great stories to tell as well speakers who can tell you about how you can better enjoy your boating. Guests include:

• Sean Smith AKA The Fat Paddler - The road to Smith’s kayaking adventures came about through a series of unfortunate events. Sports injuries and two major vehicle accidents left Sean with a list of reasons not to participate in an active lifestyle. Sean will be releasing his new book at the show.

• Linda Frylink Anderson – Linda, will talk about her voyage of 30,000 nautical miles that began with a single step. A single dream of two people - a 30-year dream to sail around the world. Together, In a boat that they built in their backyard. Linda has just released her first book titled ‘Sailing In My Sarong’ which is an honest account of the two-year circumnavigation she and her husband Bill completed visiting 30 countries. www.valiam.com.au 

• Nancy Knudsen - Nancy and her husband Ted swapped competitive sailing for cruising and embarked on a 5 year journey around the world. Join them as they share the story of their adventures. You will hear about the learning curves involved, how they adapted to a simpler way of life and also their firsthand view of the degradation of the ocean.

• Ian Thomson - As the Founder of Save Our Seas International, Ian has a mission to teach the world, particularly users of the ocean, about the damage that plastic bags and plastics are doing to the environment.  Ian now educates people all over the world of the issues our oceans are facing and will be talking about how we, as ocean users, can play our part to ensure that the oceans are clean for future generations. 

• Peter & Phillip Jenkins - The Honda Over The Top Expedition has been developed by brothers Peter and Phillip Jenkins who have a family history of Prostate Cancer. Both wanted to do something ‘Over The Top’ to generate funds and awareness on the key preventative actions for Prostate Cancer. So they decided to go 'Over The Top' literally… in an 8.6 metre rigid inflatable boat (RIB) with an aim of raising $200,000 towards the cause. See Peter and Phillip before they head off from the Boat Show on Monday through some of Australia’s most untouched, harsh and beautiful coastline, before reaching their destination, Perth.

• David Lockwood – Well known boating journalist David will talk about the restoration of Ralfy V. Ralfy V was a 1976-model Mariner Pacer 760 resting happily on Sydney Harbour. Until the team at Trade-a-Boat took possession of her and spent the next 6 months restoring her into a modern family boat. Ralfy IV was transformed into Ralfy V at the Maritimo’s factory with original boat builder Bill Barry-Cotter alongside.

• Ken Evans – Ken is a passionate boatie who has worked in the industry for decades. Now in semi-retirement, Ken has embarked on his passion to educate people about boating and will present The sensible boaties check list – what you should do to make sure your outing remains fun.

Other presentations include:

• Restoring the John Oxley – Sydney Heritage Fleet
• Safety on the Water – NSW Maritime
• Getting your boat license – Yachting Australia
• Amazing boating holiday destinations – Pacific Trade & Invest
• Working on Superyachts around the world - Australian Superyacht Crew Recruitment & Training

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