Sydney Boat Show Preview

The Sydney International Boat Show is recognised as the largest recreational boating exhibition staged in the Southern Hemisphere, and has consistently been rated as "among the world's top 10 shows" by industry observers.

More than 300 exhibitors, representing the cream of Australia's boat manufacturers, marine engine and equipment producers and distributors and NSW's top marine retailers will transform Darling Harbour into a spectacular boaters' paradise.

The Boating Industry Association of NSW is currently hard at work refining the exhibition space at Darling Harbour Exhibition Centre and the marina display on adjoining Cockle Bay.

This year the marina will be a highlight of the show. More than 290 craft will be showcased on the water while in excess of 250 exhibitors will display their goods and services indoors at the exhibition centre.

Marketing and event manager for the Boating Industry Association Domenic Genua said the association planned the show from two perspectives.

"We see the association as having two major aims. Firstly it is our responsibility to provide exhibitors with a superb venue where products can be shown," he said.

"Secondly, we must offer six gala days of entertainment to attract visitors, hence our claim that the Sydney International is more than just a boat show. It is a celebration of recreational boating and an interesting and enjoyable day out for all the family."

Conscious of the need to provide entertainment with family appeal, there will be a bonanza of attractions to suit boaties from all backgrounds. They include the popular Yamaha Fishing Clinic, Better Boating Workshops, the Strictly Sail and Discover Sailing Centre, daily fashion parades highlighting the latest in nautically-inspired sportswear and the educational and amusing Boat Building Competition set for the Saturday of the show.

The entertainment will complement some of the boating world's biggest names that will be showcasing their new releases at the show. Riviera, Maritimo, Grand Banks, Bertram, Sea Ray, Chris-Craft, Carver, Bayliner, Princess, Sunseeker, Beneteau, Bavaria, Wellcraft, Jeanneau, Maxum, Glastron, Seaswirl, Four Winns are just a few among the many that will be looking to impress the 90,000 people that will attend the show before its conclusion on August 8.

Australia's top trailerboat manufactures will also be prominent, with Haines Signature, Lewis, Cruise Craft, Quintrex, Haines Hunter, Savage and Whittley exhibiting at the show.

Organisers anticipate that there will be close to 900 individual models on display.

From canoes and kayaks to glamorous motoryachts worth many millions, chandlery, fishing tackle, charter boat holidays and anything else to do with life on the water, the 2006 Sydney International Boat Show is destined to transform Darling Harbour into a giant 'carnival afloat.'

Biggest in the Business
The 2006 Sydney International Boat Show will trade 10am to 8pm on each of the six days.

Admission charges remain unchanged from 2005, with single adult ($17), family ($40) admitting two adults and up to three children aged 6 to 17-years, seniors ($15), pensioners ($11) and children aged 6 to 17-years ($9). Children five and under are admitted free.

The show is well served by all manner of public transport, including Sydney's vast suburban rail network, numerous bus services, ferries, light rail and monorail. Motorists will find parking stations surrounding the complex, all within a few minutes' walk of the main entrance. For further information contact the BIA of NSW on (02) 9438 2077 or visit www.sydneyboatshow.com.au