Sydney International Boat Show 2005

The 2005 Sydney International Boat Show, scheduled for six action-packed days, July 28-August 2, has reported all exhibition space sold out at the Darling Harbour Exhibition Centre, on the city's western edge.

More than 300 exhibitors will pack the centre's six vast halls with millions of dollars worth of boats, engines, marine electronics, fishing tackle, nautical fashion and general boating accessories and equipment.

On the adjoining Cockle Bay Marina specially developed for the massive show, more than 250 luxury vessels, many carrying multi-million dollar price tags, will comprise one of the show's major attractions.

And there are attractions presented throughout the show by organisers the Boating Industry Association of New South Wales. An impressive Strictly Sail exhibit, Better Boating Workshops, daily fashion parades showcasing up-to-the-minute nautical fashion and sportswear and the popular Yamaha Fishing Clinic will all draw maximum attention.

Having already established a record attendance for a boat show anywhere in the Southern Hemisphere of more than 93,000, the Sydney International, a member of the prestigious International Federation of Boat Show Organisers (IFBSO) has cemented itself as a major marine industry marketing opportunity.

The show truly deserves its 'International' status.

Exhibitors and visitors from the United States, Singapore, New Zealand, Thailand, South Africa, China, the United Kingdom, Taiwan, Germany, the Philippines, Belgium, Argentina and Spain are among boat show regulars.

Australia's major boat builders, importers and distributors recognise the importance of the Sydney International, most stating that if they attend only one show in the year, it will be that staged in the harbour city.

Domenic Genua, Marketing and Event manager for the Boating Industry Association, said the Darling Harbour venue played a major role in the show's on-going success. 'We're fortunate indeed to have what is surely one of the finest boat show venues in the world," he said. "The complex is surrounded by five-star hotels, has immediate access to world class dining, shopping and theatres and is only a short, downhill stroll from one of the world's most picturesque and exciting cities. Visitors will also appreciate the fact that it is well served by all manner of public transport, from monorail to ferries, buses to the vast Sydney suburban rail network."

This year's show will trade daily, 10am to 8pm, halls and marina operating to the same hours.

For visitors making their first visit to the show, Roy Privett, general manager of the association, recommends an early start. "Crowds can be daunting, particularly on the weekend, so I'd advise anyone to consider enjoying breakfast at one of the many restaurants overlooking the harbour and be on track for an early start," he explained.

For further information, visit the show's website, www.sydneyboatshow.com.au or contact the BIA NSW on (02) 9438 2077 or contact Domenic Genua, Marketing & Events Manager on 0412 642 357