Ahoy boaties and others

If you like boats, Docklands is the place to be on the first weekend in February.

The 2012 Melbourne Summer Boat Show is being held at NewQuay from February 3 to February 5 and organisers are promising a bumper event with all types of boats on show as well a wide range of family activities.

The Coast Guard and Water Police will be running mock water rescues featuring the Westpac rescue helicopter. There is plenty to do on land too, with roving street performers entertaining the crowds and face painting for the kids, with crowds also guaranteed to be amazed by the stunts and acrobatics in a waterski show.

A “supertank” fishing show will help people to hone their fishing skills whilst cooking demonstrations will provide recipes for cooking fish to perfection!

Other features of the show include boat licence courses, the Bream Fishing Classic and weigh in, dragon boat races, observing the restoration of the Alma Doepel and cruises on the tall ship Enterprize.

Many of the show's attractions are free to the public with only a small charge to access the boats on the marina with tickets available online.