Boom times for Sydney show

The start of August is supposed to be deep winter in Sydney but the five days of the Sydney International Boat Show were anything but -- with Spring like temperatures and sun-filled days bringing out big crowds everyday.

The walkways of the huge floating marina in Cockle Bay were jammed from the moment the show opened until the gates were closed each evening, and the five indoor exhibition halls were also packed.

For most visitors, however, it was the marina that proved the main attraction -- even if they were only dreaming of what they might buy if they won Lotto.

Local manufacturers Maritimo and Riviera vied for the most impressive display; both showing a range of yachts to suit almost any buyer. Riviera may be in receivership but, apart from the situation being recorded on display signs, you wouldn't have guessed.

Maritimo's new flagship 73 with its enclosed flybridge had punters lining up to get aboard for a glimpse.

The big motor boats were definitely drawing bigger crowds than the large display of sailing yachts but it was the Perth-built Secret Harbour 46 that seemed to be attracting the most 'oohs' and 'aahs'.

Michael Antalec, the American founder and boss of Australia Yachts (which builds the Secret Harbour 46), was on hand to show his dream boat to the well-heeled.

At $1.25 million, the Secret Harbour is not cheap but Antalec says it is aimed squarely at the top 1 per cent of the market. Given that the world economic recession didn't seem to be playing on anyone's mind, it might not be too long before a SH 46 is gracing Sydney Harbour or nearby Pittwater.

During the show the inaugural Australian Marine Industry Export Awards were handed out, with Ronstan International winning the title of exporter of the year.

The diverse Australian boating industry also came together and confirmed its intention to develop a new single national body to represent the interests of its members across Australia.

Marine Queensland president Barry Jenkins says the meeting of Australian Marine Industry Federation directors were committed to the task.

"All state presidents reiterated the intent to establish a national entity that would be truly representative of the industry and therefore have amore authoritative voice," Jenkins told BoatPoint.