The 2004 Sydney International Boat Show, scheduled for six gala days, July 29 - August 3, at its now traditional Darling Harbour venue, will offer quite a treat for those boating enthusiasts who can't settle for one hull.
Seawind Catamarans, one of the nation's most successful manufacturers, with markets worldwide for its stylish craft, will offer a world first with the release of its all-new Seawind 1160.
Additionally, the company will also unveil its latest powered catamaran, the Venturer 44, giving both power and sail 'multihullers' the best of both worlds.
This year's Sydney International Boat Show is already shaping up as one of the best boating exhibitions staged. More than 300 exhibitors have confirmed and the six vast halls of the Darling Harbour Exhibition Centre will be jam packed with boats, engines, marine electronics, fishing tackle and associated boating equipment.
Another highlight of the show will be the adjoining Cockle Bay Marina, the largest facility of its type ever specifically assembled for an Australian boat show. It will be home to more than 230 luxury vessels during the show.
With the always popular Yamaha Fishing Clinic, the Strictly Sail exhibit, daily fashion parades and the often hilarious (but always educational) Boat Building Competition, the show offers something of interest for all the family.
Sydney and Nowra-based Seawind has proven itself on overseas markets, being a regular exhibitor at some of the world's leading exhibitions, including the glitzy and glamorous Miami International Boat Show. Its catamarans now enjoy market acceptance in the USA, Mexico, Jamaica, Italy, Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand and New Zealand.
The company's designers take sound notice of customer feedback and the new Seawind 1160 sees many of the ideas put forward by owners incorporated into the new boat. It retains the original saloon-style design as used in the famous Seawind 1000 (more than 150 sold), and offers superior accommodation with the option of a three or four cabin layout. A self-tacking jib system makes the boat easier to sail than even its predecessors, while new construction techniques employed have produced a lighter, stronger vessel.
The company has already taken 12 forward orders for the new boat, primarily from clients in Australia and the United States, several of whom will be making the trip to Sydney for the world launch.
On the power side, the new Venturer 44 has been hailed as the most luxurious vessel to come off the Seawind production line.
Sportfishing enthusiasts, cruising families, even charter operators have expressed keen interest in this, the largest craft offered by the Seawind company.
The Venturer 44 has all the cruising comforts buyers have come to expect aboard luxury power cruisers, including a game fishing chair and bait tanks for the keen angler.
Seawind is not the only company to recognise the importance of the Sydney International Boat Show by undertaking a world release.
Another world first will be presented by industry legend Bill Barry-Cotter, who has chosen Sydney for the inaugural showing of his luxury motor yachts, Maritimo. Two superb 60-footers, one with an open 'bridge, the other enclosed and both sporting dual 700hp Caterpillar Marine Diesels, will be among the array of fine craft gracing the Cockle Bay Marina.
'World firsts' are just some of the attractions making Sydney peak recreational boat show in Australia.
It's a must see on the agenda of boating enthusiasts from across Australia and, in fact, from throughout the South Pacific Region.
The show will be open daily, 10am to 8pm. Admission prices are $15 (single adult), $38 (family ticket admitting two adults and up to three children aged 6-17-years), $10 (Aged Pensioners) and $8 (children aged 6-17-years). Children under 5-years admitted free.
One of Darling Harbour's attractions as a venue is its easy accessibility - it is only a few minutes walk from the city centre and is served by all manner of public transport, including the suburban rail network, numerous bus services, ferries, light rail and monorail. Motorists will find parking stations abound in the area, all a short stroll from the main entrance.
For further show information visit the website, www.sydneyboatshow.com.au or contact organisers, the Boating Industry Association of NSW, telephone (02) 9438-2077.
BACK