Sydney Boat Show Set For Success

Organisers of the 2009 Sydney International Boat Show are predicting that all available space within the show halls will soon be booked out and the target of 180 vessels on the floating marina may be reached.

There are already 130 confirmed bookings for the marina and only 300 square metres of the 25,000 square metres of hall space is yet to be allocated.

Domenic Genua, the marketing and events manager of the Boating Industry Association of NSW, told BoatPoint that, if the flurry of enquiries following the successful Sanctuary Cove Boat Show continue, the BIA will consider opening the promenade area for exhibitors.

To continue to attract people to the show, Genua says several new programs will be introduced.

These will include an expanded fishing clinic, a better boating lounge where visitors can take a break while being entertained, fashion parades, a boat building competition, a classic and old boat display and the remarkable 37ft Mounts Bay lugger Spirit of Mystery that British yachtsman Pete Goss successfully sailed to from Cornwall to Melbourne earlier this year.

Australia's maritime history will be celebrated at a Walk of Fame where visitors can inspect historic vessels including the steam launch Lady Hopetoun, the historic schooner Boomerang and the steam tug Waratah.

The BIA has also made on-line ticket sales available at a discount for those who want to buy their tickets in advance.

Adult tickets, which will be $18 at the gate, are $15 online and will be mailed to buyers with an additional handling fee. A family pass is $35 online, a $7 discount to the gate price.

Further information: SydneyBoatShow.com.au.