Walking in dreamland: Sydney Boat Show

Taking a quiet stroll around the Sydney International Boat Show is a labour of love that is filled with excitement, awe, envy and regret. Why didn't I invest in Microsoft shares 20 years ago, so my cheque book would now match my dreams.

The floating marina that filled Cockle Bay was the obvious magnet for gawkers -- although some of the exhibits were really the stuff of billionaires' daydreams. The spectacular displays by Princess and Sunseeker yachts had punters drooling but most were too awestruck to even ask if they could go aboard.

Buying a yacht of the size of those on display at both those locations would involve more than just writing a cheque -- you would also have to consider hiring a full-time skipper and crew.

But there was still enough for those without an eight-digit bank balance to think about seriously.

Beneteau Oceanis 58
The first boat to catch our eye was the Beneteau Oceanis 58, the French company's largest yacht to date. The three cabin, three head model on display had amazing headroom, wonderful interior light and a cockpit large enough for a serious party.

With the mainsheet traveller on an arch above the cockpit, the cockpit area was as clear of ropes as the cockpit on a motor cruiser. The fold-down swim platform gave a vast afterdeck, large enough for sunbaking. Powered by a 140hp engine and carrying 1080 litres of fuel and 1010 litres of water, the far reaches of the Great Barrier Reef beckoned. It was yours for $804,792.

The saloon was the size of a apartment living room and the galley was the size of most domestic kitchens. The enclosed flybridge looked like the perfect place to relax during a slow lap of Australia. With a range of 4500 nautical miles at 6 knots and a top speed on 18 knots, the Fleming 65 is a real go-anywhere vessel.

There is a full keel to protect the props and a stainless steel shoe along the keel to protect the underbody. The Fleming 55 is yours for $2.1 million and the 65 for $3.75 million.

Below decks there are three double cabins the bow cabin and the midships master being exceptionally spacious. But what really impressed were the shower stalls. There would be no bending or twisting to get clean here.

One most unusual feature would impress those cruising in the waters of the north-west, where 40 foot tides are not uncommon. The High Seas 63 has twin skegs that allow the boat to sit upright on a beach while protecting the propellers. Yours for just $2.62 million.

Greenline 33 Hybrid
Drawing some of the largest crowds was our favourite boat, the Greenline 33 Hybrid. Big enough to take a family or two couples away for a weekend and fitted with diesel, solar and electric power to bring the costs of boating down.

The Greeline has a large saloon with a lounge that converts to a double berth and a double cabin and head forward. While the low-drag hull can top 15 knots under diesel power, it can also move noiselessly under battery and solar power for a weekend at a leisurely six knots. Starting at $243,333, the boat had would-be owners lining up for sea trials after the show.

Despite the unpredictable and sometimes unpleasant weather that had Sydneysiders carrying umbrellas as well as sun hats, the show attracted more visitors than last year over its five days. While Monday’s crowds were down 9 per cent on last year (probably due to the arctic winds sweeping Darling Harbour, the crowds on Friday (when the sun came out in the afternoon) were up 10 per cent.

Organisers say the feedback from both consumers and exhibitors was positive.

Check out SydneyBoatShow.com.au for other details.