2005 Sydney Boat Show preview

The Sydney International Boat show has been running since 1967 and last year it boasted attendance of over 93,000 people and a floating marina that stretched from one side of Cockle Bay to the other.

This year, according to the Boating Industry Association of NSW, the show is promising to be bigger and better than ever: "The Show is over-subscribed," spokesman Domonic Genua told Trade-A-Boat recently. "We are at 100 per cent capacity and unfortunately we are having to turn some people away."

The show is always a highlight of the Sydney boating calendar and the organisers have ensured that this year it will be an entertainment extravaganza with plenty of "shows within the show" designed to entertain and educate people from all aspects of boating.

Obviously, the big drawcard of the show is the marina facility where many companies will be launching new models, including boats from Australia, the USA and Europe.

While many companies launched new models at the recent Sanctuary Cove Boat Show, the Sydney Show will see a plethora of new makes and models including the new Rivieras, Cabo sports fishing boats, Island Packet and Harmony yachts, the big 57ft Bertram we saw at Sanctuary Cove and a new 51-footer. Bill Barry-Cotter's new Maritimo will be seen for the first time, as will the Danish Norship cruising yachts, the US Integrity motoryacht... the list goes on.

Viking, the US manufacturer of a range of very serious game fishing boats, is another exciting brand that we're going to see for the first time at the Sydney Boat Show.

For those who missed them at Sanctuary Cove, the big European yacht manufacturers will be well represented in Sydney, with Beneteau, Bavaria, Hanse, Hallberg-Rassy, Dufour and Jeanneau all having their ranges on the marina.

Of course, those beautiful big boats from the UK will also be there with a new Sunseeker 82 and an enormous 105 Manhattan gracing the bay. Not to be outdone, Princess Yachts will have its range of stunning boats from 50–65ft in both flybridge and the V-Class Sports Yachts on show.

However, there will plenty more to see in the six cavernous halls of the Darling Harbour Exhibition Centre. Around 300 exhibitors will be displaying their goods and services with everything from fishing gear to boats and even fashion on display.

A highlight will be the Better Boating Workshops/Strictly Sail stage which will run constantly from 10.00am to 8.00pm on all six days of the show. Presentations will include all the latest in electronics, a safe boating seminar, how to use a marine radio properly - very important - sailing basics, boating weather, and there is even a segment on how to buy a boat hosted by the Marine Brokers of NSW. Of course there'll be plenty more, including the fashion parade which is always popular.

Dominic Genua said that the majority of people surveyed by the Association over the past few years spend half a day or more at the Show: "It's a full day's outing," he said. "And most people make a family day of it. There are plenty of things to see and do for adults and kids alike," he added.

Mr Genua went on to say that the Sydney International Boat Show is recognised by the marine industry as the largest and most important recreational boating exhibition in the Southern Hemisphere: "Boat, engine and accessory manufacturers regard Sydney International as the ‘must do' show. If companies in this part of the world intend to exhibit at only one show throughout the year, it's a safe bet that show will be Sydney," he said.

According to the BIA, the 90,000 to 100,000 people who will attend the Sydney International Boat Show will spend in excess of $350 million (or $1388 per second or $5 million per hour for every hour that it's open) over the six days of the show. Then they'll spend a further $200 million over the four weeks following the show.

Last year, the marine industry in NSW generated a staggering $2.1bn in revenues and it's obvious that a lot of that came from the Sydney International Boat Show.

It's interesting to note that 10 per cent of visitors to the show travel from interstate or overseas which is an indication of just how popular this show is.

The show will be open from 10.00am to 8.00pm daily. Admission charges are $17 (single adult), $40 (family ticket admitting two adults and up to three children aged 6–17 years), $15 (seniors card holders) and $9 children aged 6-17 years. Children under five will be admitted free.

For more information on the Sydney Boat Show, visit the official website at www.sydneyboatshow.com.au