Sydney International Boat Show 2005

The Chapman Marine Group (formerly Chapman Marine) has taken a quantum leap forward and been officially appointed Australia's authorised importer/distributor for America's legendary Chris-Craft marque.

Group CEO Mark Chapman will celebrate his company's appointment when he presents the most impressive array of 2005 Chris-Craft models ever seen in Australia at the 3005 Sydney International Boat Show (July 28-August 2).

More than 300 members of the Australian boating industry will join the Chapman Marine Group in presenting to show visitors the finest boats, marine engines, fishing tackle, nautical clothing, electronics and general boating accessories available to boating enthusiasts.

Sponsored by Club Marine and NSW Maritime, the Sydney International stands unchallenged as the major recreational boating exhibition staged anywhere in the Southern Hemisphere.

It holds the attendance record for any boat show south of the equator, established last year when more than 93,000 people flocked to the Darling Harbour complex.

Within the six cavernous halls of the Darling Harbour Exhibition Centre, visitors will be confronted with millions of dollars worth of boats, engines and boating equipment. The massive and spectacular marina in adjoining Cockle Bay, the largest ever assembled specifically for an Australian boat show, will be home to some 270-plus luxury vessels, power and sail, many carrying retail prices that would exceed that of a Sydney waterfront property!

It's on the marina that the Chapman Marine Group will present four stunning 2005 Chris-Craft models, three Corsairs and the fabulous Roamer 40, which Chapman describes as "a gentleman's cruiser."

The Chapman Marine Group is also the NSW distributor for other US-built breeds, Wellcraft and Regal and the awesome motor yacht range from UK-builder Princess. With the dazzling array of Chris-Craft's latest, backed up by the best of Wellcraft, Regal and Princess, one of which retails at $3.7 million, the Chapman Marine Group's display would alone be worth the price of admission.

Other prime attractions can be found around every corner, from the popular Yamaha Fishing Clinic to the educational Better Boating workshops to the daily fashion parades. Yachtsmen (and women!) will doubtless find their way to the Strictly Sail exhibit, while those seeking some amusement will be drawn to the always hilarious Boat Building Competition.

Boating enthusiasts in general won't want to miss the first opportunity in NSW to see first hand the vessels which were recently named victorious in the Australian Marine Industry Federation annual Marine Awards, which incorporate the prestigious Boat of the Year honours.

The magnificent Maritimo 60, named Cruiser of the Year and all-round Australian Boat of the Year, handed its builder, industry legend Bill Barry-Cotter, another trophy to go with the scores he won when at the helm of his previous company, The Riviera Group.

Seawind Catamaran's stylish 1160, named Sailboat of the Year, is another sure to attract admiration, while small boat fans will no doubt get a kick out of inspecting the triumphant trailer boats, the Cruise Craft Explorer and the Quintrex Freedom Sport, among others. All the winners will be there, those locally manufactured and the best of the imports.

The bottom line is...if it floats, if it's connected with something that floats, it's bound to be on display at the Sydney International Boat Show.

Admission charges for the '05 spectacular are $17 (single adult), $40 (family ticket admitting two adults and up to three children aged 6-17-years), $15 (Seniors Card holders), $11 (Pensioners) and $9 (children aged 6-17-years). Children under 5-years admitted free. The show will be open daily, 10am to 8pm (halls and marina).

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