Boat map to break Guinness Record

IT WILL be a map of Australia the world has never seen before.

An aquatic outline made up of thousands of boats, kayaks and jet skis floating on Hervey Bay.

This is the vision of local anchor maker Larry Cooper and he needs our help to make it come true.

Mr Cooper is asking boaties, jet skiers and kayakers everywhere to support him in his quest to break two Guinness World Records.

The owner of Cooper’s Anchors will strive to create the largest map using anchored water craft and the largest moving procession of water craft.

He is determined to get at least 1500 vessels involved in the project, which will take shape just off Torquay beach in September.

“The map will be at least one kilometre across,” Mr Cooper said.

“When a vessel registers for the attempt we will give them a GPS co-ordinate so they know where to anchor up.”

The larger boats and jet skis will create the mainland, while canoes and kayaks will be used to detail Tasmania.

Mr Cooper, who with his sons has created the world’s first nylon anchor that will feature on an episode of ABC’s New Inventors on March 24, is hoping the record attempt will push the Fraser Coast on to a world stage.

“We’ll be emailing every single boating and water craft association in the country, inviting them to participate.”

The council has thrown its support behind the plan, with Mayor Mick Kruger deeming it a win for tourism operators, accommodation providers and hospitality venues: “Everybody’s going to benefit from this,” Mr Kruger said.

It costs $10 to register a kayak and $20 to register a boat, with all leftover cash going to Glendyne Education and Training Centre.

Visit www.cooperanchors.com.au/worldrecord.