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The largest temporary marina ever built for an Australian boat show will headline the 2004 Sydney International Boat Show.

Stretching north-south along the eastern side of Darling Harbour's Cockle Bay and reaching out towards the Harbourside retail complex, the spectacular marina will be home to more than 200 vessels, many in the superyacht class and carrying retail prices in the $10 million-plus range.

The Sydney International Boat Show, sponsored by Club Marina and the Waterways Authority, is scheduled for July 29-August 3, and is expected to attract upwards of 90,000 visitors.

With the introduction two years ago of the new marina walkway facility, large crowds can safely be accommodated, with the impressive displays sure to prove a major attraction.

Visitors will see such glamorous craft as the fabulous British imports from Sunseeker, Princess and Fairline, the United States' popular Sea Ray and Bayliner ranges and, for interest closer to home the world release of the new Maritimo Offshore range from the newly formed company headed by industry legend Bill Barry-Cotter. Barry-Cotter of course was the driving force behind The Riviera Group before selling out nearly two-years ago. His new boats can be relied upon to be the talk of the town.

The Riviera Group too will bring an impressive range of craft to the marina, with big convertibles and sleek sportboats tempting buyers.

Of course, the marina is but one of the show's attractions.

Within the six vast halls of the Darling Harbour Exhibition Centre, more than 300 exhibitors, among them the leading marine retailers, manufacturers, importers and distributors in the industry will be displaying their goods and services.

Show organisers, the Boating Industry Association (BIA) of NSW, were again flooded with applications for space when the official 'invitation to exhibit' was released early in the year.

"It's fair to say that all available floor space was high in demand in advance of the show," Domenic Genua, marketing and event manager for the BIA explained. 'Needless to say, the association and its members are delighted with the Darling Harbour venue, a far cry from what old timers remember as the bad old days of the Sydney Showground.

"I have no doubt that if the floor space was there we would be hosting well in excess of 400 exhibitors". Genua described the show as being "more of an event" than simply a display of recreational boats and associated equipment. "For many boating enthusiasts it's an annual outing that allows them to catch up with like minded friends and associates as well as see first hand all the latest boats and gear associated with the joys of boating," he added.

Much of the show's appeal lies with the many events staged in conjunction with the exhibition. These include the often hilarious, yet educational Boat Building Competition, the Yamaha Fishing Clinic, the Strictly Sail activities and the daily fashion parades.

"We can really lay claim to having something to appeal to all members of the family", Genua said. "Even those who do not necessarily class themselves as boat owners or boating enthusiasts will find a visit to the show an enjoyable day out. And where better to spend a day than perhaps lunching at the one of the many waterside cafes and restaurants around Cockle Bay in between visiting the many exhibits."

The 2004 Sydney International Boat Show will be open daily, 10am to 8pm.
Admission charges are $15 (single adult), $38 (family ticket admitting two adults and up to three children), $10 (Pensioners) and $7 (children aged 5-17 years). All prices include GST, with children under 5-years admitted free.

No venue could be more easily accessed, with all manner of public transport serving the complex and car parking stations abounding, all within a few minutes walk of the main entrance.

As usual, for six exciting days, July 29 - August 3, Darling Harbour is THE place to be.
For further information contact:

The Boating Industry Association of NSW, 53 Hume Street, Crows Nest NSW 2065 Australia

Telephone + 61 2 9438-2077 or visit the website, www.sydneyboatshow.com.au

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