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The 2004 Sydney International Boat Show, opening at its traditional Darling Harbour venue on July 29 will as usual be packed with highlights.

Boasting the largest marina ever assembled for an Australian boat show, a major Strictly Sail exhibit, the Yamaha Fishing Clinic, Boat Building Competition and daily fashion parades, the show and its more than 300 exhibitors will play host to anything up to 90,000 visitors over the six days (July 29-August 3).

Sponsored by Club Marine and the Waterways Authority, this year's show will also boast a display never seen before at any exhibition.

It is arguably the most hand crafted, fastidiously built boat ever seen in Australia.

The boat is a classic Riva, identical to the traditional Italian speedboats built by the legendary Carlo Riva. This magnificent craft was fashioned at the Maritimo production facility of industry legend Bill Barry-Cotter. It will form part of the Maritimo display on the Cockle Bay Marina where Barry-Cotter will be launching the Maritimo range to the world with two stunning 60-foot long-range luxury cruisers.

Barry-Cotter said his fascination with the design skill of Carlo Riva was partly responsible for his boat building career. In 1998, Riva presented Barry-Cotter with a set of original 1971 plans for the Riva and this boat, appropriately named 'Carlo', was crafted accurately from those plans. The boat was in the traditional method of cold-moulded mahogany.

Consider this; it requires about 700 man-hours to build a typical boat in the 10-12-metre range.
More than 8000 man-hours was devoted to bringing 'Carlo' to absolute perfection! Craftsmen at the Maritimo plant, Barry-Cotter says, "worked with true passion" in producing the superlative 28-foot vessel.

Power for 'Carlo' is in the form of dual 300hp MerCruiser engines giving it blistering 45-knot speed. Sadly, no need to reach for the chequebook - 'Carlo' is not for sale. It will remain as a tribute to the dedication, skill and craftsmanship of the Maritimo workforce.

As Domenic Genua, marketing and event manager for show organisers, the Boating Industry Association of NSW, points out, 'Carlo' is but one of a score of eye-catching attractions to be seen at the Sydney International Boat Show. "The association is confident that 2004 will bring to the people of Sydney one of the best shows ever staged," he said. "Our members are to be complemented and have come out in force to support the show with a tremendous range comprising the latest in boats, marine electronics, engines, fishing tackle and general boating accessories. The six halls of the Darling Harbour Exhibition Centre will be packed to the rafters with interesting releases and exhibits while the floating marina in Cockle Bay will be home to more than 230 luxury craft."

Show hours are 10am to 8pm daily. Admission prices are $15 (single adult), $38 (family ticket admitting two adults and up to three children aged 6-17-years), $10 (Pensioners) and $8 (children aged 6-17-years). Children under 5-years admitted free.

Visitors unfamiliar with the 'harbour city' will find Darling Harbour among its most easily accessed sites. Darling Harbour is only a short downhill stroll from the city centre and is well served by all manner of public transport, including numerous bus services, the suburban rail network, ferries, light rail and monorail. For motorists parking stations surround the facility, all within a few minutes walk of the main entrance.

Further information can be obtained by visiting the website, www.sydneyboatshow.com.au or contact the Boating Industry Association of NSW, telephone (02) 9438-2077.

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