Old man of the sea at Sydney show

Riviera is hoping it's much anticipated 43 Open Flybridge cruiser will be the star of the Sydney International Boat Show -- but the new vessel could be overshadowed by veteran Melbourne sailor Ian Reynolds.

Reynolds, who is well into his eighties, will be Riviera's guest of honour at the show, along with his well travelled 56 Enclosed Flybridge, Investigator IV. Three years ago, Reynolds embarked on a successful 9000 nautical mile circumnavigation of Australia.

He went clockwise from Queensland's Gold Coast and returned home in October 2008. But before making his circumnavigation dream a reality, Reynolds had first undertaken the 800 nautical mile voyage from the Gold Coast to Lord Howe Island and back as a shakedown cruise -- just to check all his vessel's systems and his long range fuel consumption is his then brand new Riviera.

His most recent challenge, at 81, was a month long voyage of more than 1300 nautical miles to Papua New Guinea for the second annual Louisiades Rally.

Reynolds will be aboard Investigator IV for the duration of the Sydney show and will be available to discuss his long distance voyaging with visitors. Investigator IV will be open for public inspection.

All up Riviera will have more than $12 million worth of boats -- Flybridge, Sport Yacht and Offshore Express models -- on display at the show.

The 43 Open Flybridge, not seen before in Sydney, is expected to attract most interest. It was unveiled at the Sanctuary Cove show and nine of the boats were sold in just four days.