The Doors Close for Another Year as the Sydney International Boat Show Counts its' Blessings
4th August 2005

It may not have matched last year’s record attendance (93,500), but when the doors closed on the 38th staging of the Sydney International Boat Show, organiser, the Boating Industry Association of NSW, could feel well pleased.

With an attendance of 89,451 the show easily maintained its status as the largest recreational boat show in the Southern Hemisphere, attracting at least 35,000 visitors more than Australia’s second largest boat show.

Domenic Genua, marketing and event manager for the Boating Industry Association of NSW, said the show achieved three primary aims.

“We brought entertainment to the thousands of visitors to the show, we presented the best of safe boating to the public and we showcased the finest boats and associated equipment the industry has to offer,” he declared.

More than 300 exhibitors displayed their goods and services at Darling Harbour, where all six halls of the exhibition centre were packed to the proverbial rafters with boats, engines, marine electronics, fishing tackle and nautical clothing.

A highlight of the show was the expanded Cockle Bay Marina, the largest facility ever specifically assembled for an Australian boat show.

With 270-plus luxury craft on show at the marina, many carrying multi-million dollar price tags, the marina proved a major drawcard, with thousands packing the marina walkways throughout the show.

Importantly, exhibitor feedback has been positive.

“In fact, positive is probably an understatement,” Genua added.

“Sales were made across the board, with big boats, trailer boats, marine engine and electronic distributors all reporting sales and interest at an all-time high.

“Together with our major sponsors, Club Marine and NSW Maritime, we intend to maintain our position as the primary boat show south of the equator.

“This year again showed that Sydney really deserves its ‘international’ rating, with visitors at Darling Harbour from the United States, China, United Kingdom, South Africa, Italy, Greece, New Zealand, Thailand and Singapore, to name only a few.

“And, believe it or not, initial planning has already begun on the 2006 show – when you’ve got the best in the business it takes hard work to maintain the status quo and the association will again be pulling out all stops to ensure the people of Sydney can lay claim to the best show outside Europe and the US,” he added.