Totally Boat-acious! Most excellent adventure awaits
- intouch Magazine
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
Lake Macquarie City Council is calling for captains and crafters to join the Float Your Boat fleet for 2025 and go in the running for a raft of epic prizes.
Float Your Boat is an annual extravaganza in which illuminated artworks affixed to boats dazzle onlookers around the lake in a family friendly spectacle over two nights from Wangi to Belmont.
Cash prizes are up for grabs with $1000 in the offing for the most popular light display, $600 for runner-up, $400 for third place in the Newcastle Permanent People’s Choice Award.
Lake Macquarie Mayor Adam Shultz will pick favourites in the five to 10 metres and 10m plus categories – with $400 prizes in store for ‘Mayor’s best boat’ winners.
“Float Your Boat illuminates Lake Macquarie in the depths of winter in a spectacular display of lights and illumination – it’s one of our best annual community events,” he said.
“We’ve got another epic year on the foreshores of Toronto, Belmont and Warners Bay lined up, so I’d encourage boat owners, community groups and businesses to get on board by entering a boat and taking part.”
First-time entrants and boaties who refer a friend will go in the draw to win accommodation prize packs valued around $500.
Boaties who aren’t arty, and artists who aren’t boatie, can hop in the same boat with Council playing matchmaker for those willing to donate artwork or their skipper services.
Council will also put up $400 for the first 20 boats to enter to assist with costs.
Empire Marina’s David Randall said boats could be moored on site this year for free.
“Participants will be able to leave their boats at Empire Marina at no cost during this year’s event, which will be really convenient for everyone in the fleet,” Mr Randall said.
“It will be easier than ever to take part with the option of providing artwork or a boat for those who feel they can do one or the other but not both.”
Boats must be a minimum of five metres and be capable of a minimum six knots per hour.
Captains must be over the age of 16 and hold a current RMS boat license.
Float Your Boat takes place over two nights, Friday 20 and Saturday 21 June 2025.
Head to lakemac.com.au for more information and to register interest by 30 April 2025.
