SYDNEY BOAT SHOW: New cruiser releases

Luxe 40-60 footers set to debut at 2014 Sydney International Boat Show

Visitors to the 2014 Sydney International Boat Show — and there could be more than 60,000 of them, organisers say — will be treated to a stunning array of new launches on the world pleasure-boating stage.

The Boating Industry Association (BIA) says it "will set Darling Harbour and Glebe Island ‘alight’ over five action-packed days from July 31 to August 4."

Australia's leading boatbuilders including Maritimo and Riviera have new Sydney boat show and world releases, while some of the biggest European brands are preparing to make a splash with their new-look cruisers on the local scene.

TWO SHOWS IN ONE

This year’s show will be unlike any other, with the spectacular floating marina on Darling Harbour's Cockle Bay remaining as its traditional home, while the massive indoor displays normally housed in the Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre (now under redevelopment), will be staged for the next three years at the purpose-built Sydney Exhibition Centre at Glebe Island.

The two sites will be linked throughout the show by regular, free ferry services and shuttle buses.

“We are confident we will deliver a first-class event, with no distraction for show visitors to enjoy the two sites with the added attraction of a cruise down the harbour on one of the ferries,” Domenic Genua, Marketing and Event Manager for the BIA, declared.

As usual, the show will operate at its normal times, with the Cockle Bay Marina open from 10am to 6pm and Glebe Island from 10am to 8pm.

The BIA recommends that car travellers use Darling Harbour as their first port of call, park there and catch the ferry or shuttle bus to and from Glebe Island.

THE LUXE FACTOR

It is at the marina in Darling Harbour that luxury vessels in the million-dollar-plus price range will remain an exhibition highlight.

This year will be no different, with major boatbuilders from Australia and the world taking the opportunity to unveil their brand new models at the 2014 Sydney International Boat Show

Two particular cruisers seem destined to attract a horde of admirers when they are shown to the world for the very first time.

RIVIERA 6000 SPORT YACHT

Riviera, Australia’s most awarded luxury boat builder, will stage an impressive line-up. Its star display is a boat the company calls “the largest and most sophisticated Sport Yacht in the fleet.”

The much-anticipated 6000 Sport Yacht has been created with input from owners world-wide. Riviera chairman, Rodney Longhurst, said the new vessel featured all-new and innovative design and technological enhancements.

“I am confident it will impress the boating aficionado with sleek external styling featuring a solid and robust hull with large windows a standard feature in every cabin,” Mr Longhurst said.

“Our Australian-based European designers have taken every detail into account, from the bow to the stern, to ensure that this vessel is a luxurious, high-performance boat akin to a floating, six-star resort,” he added.

The Riviera 6000 Sport Yacht will be part of the boatbuilder's luxe fleet valued at $17 million, including 43 Open Flybridge, the 50 and 75 Enclosed Flybridges, the 445, 565 and the new 515, the 5000 Sport Yacht and a Belize 54 Daybridge.

ELANDRA 53

Another new cruiser that was to make its debut but will now miss the show by a few weeks is the 53 from Elandra Yachts, a company formed only two years ago by Luke Durman.

Mr Durman describes Elandra Yachts as a “semi-custom” builder which listens closely to customer demands.

Hull number one from the fledgling company is a 16.66-metre (54’8”) vessel with a three-cabin, two bathroom layout including full-beam master suite amidships.

“We have designed and built this vessel to a high level of quality and we believe we have created a boat with superior performance, reliability and extended durability,” Mr Durman declared.

“The Elandra 53 offers many aspects normally found only aboard vessels labelled superyachts, including the full-beam master suite with integral en-suite boasting twin vanity basins, private shower and private toilet along with full standing height in the engine room,” he added.

There is also a 'garage' designed to accommodate a 2.8-metre jet tender, together with a launch-and-retrieve system and a hydraulic swim platform.

Power for the first Elandra 53 is a pair of MAN R6-800 six-cylinder engines with options from Scania, Volvo, Caterpillar and MTU powerplants. Elandra will have a stand at Sydney boat show.

MARITIMO S58

Well-known and highly respected builder Maritimo, headed by industry legend Bill Barry-Cotter, will display six of their craft at Sydney, among them the all-new S58 Cruising Motoryacht, two M50 Cruising Motoryachts, the S50 Sedan Cruiser, the S43 Sedan Cruiser and a Mustang 32 Sports Cruiser.

Greg Haines, the company’s Sales and Marketing Manager, said Maritimo had been “thrilled” by the response to its new S58 Cruising Motoryacht.

“We have stepped up our quality and standard of finishes and interior layouts and it is paying dividends for us,” he said.

“Our stunning interior designs and some of the exotic timbers we are using has given Maritimo a genuine “wow factor” and it is impacting for us in the marketplace,” he added.

Mr Haines said the company was “quietly confident” its recent run of sales successes would be continued at the Sydney International Boat Show.

Now, in news to hand, Mr Haines has revealed that he's bringing his own boat, a very special M58, to the Sydney boat show. With stunning wenge timber interior and a raft of upgrades and options, his is a benchmark Maritimo and buyers are ordering M58s off the back of this very boat, asking for the exact same New York look and trimmings. A boat of the show (opening photo above), for sure.

ABSOLUTE FROM ITALY

Italian boa builder, Absolute Yachts, via its Australian distributor Sydney’s Premier Marine, will host the Australian debut of two of the company’s most popular models, the 45 Fly and the 56 Fly.

According to Premer Marine Brand Manager, Ms Lee Poulson, the style, practicality and luxury is infused into every model that leaves the Italian plant.

“Absolute Yachts produces award-wining craft and are renowned for being a pioneer of the Volvo IPS (Inboard Propulsion System),” she said.

“We believe the sheer style and quality of these stunning vessels is evident as soon as one steps aboard,” she added.

FRENCH MONTE CARLO

Melbourne dealership, Sundance Marine, is another set to offer a first to Sydney International Boat Show visitors, this time in the Australian debut of the superb Monte Carlo MC5, a motor yacht with a unique concept endowed with innovative aspects throughout.

Monte Carlo Yachts is a component of the world famous Beneteau marque and Sundance Marine’s David Beck said this combined the benefits of French and Italian influences.

Recently named 2014 European Powerboat of the Year (over 45’ category) at the Düsseldorf International Boat Show, the Monte Carlo MC5 is the result of a complex development effort.

Monte Carlo Yachts offers its range in both flying bridge and hard-top versions, with the vessel on display at Sydney being in the flybridge style.

“The Monte Carlo range combines the finest of Italian design with the Beneteau Group’s experienced shipyards for which they are universally acknowledged,” Mr Beck added.

FAMILY DAY OUT

Along with the Sydney International Boat Show's standing as one of the world’s finest recreational boating exhibitions in the world, the show promises a fabulous day out for the entire family and, at this year’s show, a harbour cruise added to the mix.

The BIA advices families to make a day of it? Arrive early at Darling Harbour, stroll the fantastic marina, enjoy lunch at one of the many restaurants around the Harbourside complex and then step aboard the ferry shuttle for a short cruise to Glebe Island for the trailerboats, engines, marine gear, tackle and more.

For further information or to purchase your tickets, visit the show’s website, www.sydneyboatshow.com.au.

SYDNEY BOAT SHOW: New cruiser releases

Tags