SYDNEY BOAT SHOW: Biggest crowds in five years

More than 63,000 visitors flocked to the 50th Sydney International Boat Show from August 3-7 at Darling Harbour and the ICC Sydney.

Up considerably from just under 50,000 last year, the thronging crowd makes this 2018 event the biggest Sydney boat show since 2012 and certainly the biggest in the Southern Hemisphere.

The show organisers, the Boating Industry Association (BIA), have achieved their goal of taking boating to the public and providing a platform for their members to showcase their new boats and marine wares.

While the sales of new boat and kit won’t be fully realised for some days, weeks, even months and years after the 2018 Sydney boat show closed it's doors, the big event has been hailed a great success.

Boat distributors are now reporting strong sales of luxury bowriders, centre-console sportfishers, catamarans, cruisers and bread-and-butter tinnies.

"We had a number of factors in our favour. Our return fully to our spiritual home of Darling Harbour, the recognised 50th anniversary, exceptional weather, exhibitor optimism, and very strong indications that consumer sentiment is on the rise," said BIA CEO Howard Glenn.

"The Association had a clear vision of what the industry wanted and needed, and set its sights on achieving it. This show has been years in the planning, and our attitude was that nothing could be left to chance. Planning and attention to detail was paramount."

The BIA ensured show-goers were educated and entertained, with three stages covering fishing, diving, adventure, aftermarket products and services. Fabulous displays from the Kilpatrick Family of racing boats and the Maritime Museum sat alongside the photography competition.

Added to this was the My First Boat Zone, as well as Transport for NSW who provided much support as the event’s Partner in Safety.

But it would be no show without the exhibitors. There was no question that those that participated went all out to ensure their products and services were seen at their best. The number of new launches was impressive.

There were almost 1000 boats on show, rafts of inflatable craft, stand-up paddleboards, kayaks and tinnies. But from our view, the big-ticket boats, luxe cruisers, new yachts and catamarans, and upmarket trailerboats created a show of strength. The quality of boats on show was just outstanding.

Sydney boat show regained its mojo in 2017 for its 50th anniversary at Darling Harbour, the marina in Cockle Bay, and the International Convention Centre – Sydney or ICC for short.

Dates for the 2018 event have been set as August 2 to 6. More at Sydney International Boat Show.