Sydney International Boat Show 2005

To describe the headquarters of the Boating Industry Association of New South Wales as being a hive of activity would be an understatement...with the 2005 Sydney International Boat Show scheduled for July 28 - August 2, association staff is engaged in formulating the Southern Hemisphere's greatest show afloat for the 38th time.

Staged at its now traditional venue, Darling Harbour, a spectacular tourist, shopping and entertainment attraction on the shores of Sydney Harbour, the exhibition will showcase the Australian marine industry in all its glory.

Six massive halls of the Darling Harbour Exhibition Centre will be packed to the proverbial rafters as more than 300 exhibitors display the finest available in boats, marine electronics, fishing tackle, nautical clothing and general boating accessories.

Adjacent to the 28,000 square metre halls will be the fabulous Cockle Bay Marina, which, over the six days of the gala exhibition, will be home to more than 230 luxury vessels, many carrying retail prices in the multi-million dollar bracket.

The Sydney International Boat Show is quite unique; it boasts a venue unlike any other, a picturesque and efficient complex situated on the doorstep of one of the world's greatest harbour cities, surrounded by five-star hotels and effectively served by all manner of public transport. Darling Harbour is merely a five minute stroll from the heart of downtown Sydney and all it has to offer, including world class shopping, dining, theatres and prime tourist attractions such as the Sydney Opera House.

The show fully deserves its 'International' rating; a member of the prestigious International Federation of Boat Show Organisers (IFBSO), it regularly attracts exhibitors and marine industry management from all parts of the world, with the United States, United Kingdom, New Zealand, Taiwan, France, China, Germany, Belgium, South Africa, Thailand, Canada, the Philippines and Italy always prominent.

As the largest recreational boating exhibition staged south of the equator, the Sydney International is regarded by major Australian manufacturers, importers and distributors as "the must do show."

"If a marine business chooses to only exhibit at one show in Australia, you can be sure it will be Sydney," Domenic Genua, marketing and event manager for the Boating Industry Association of NSW, proudly points out.

And with an attendance rapidly growing and approaching an incredible 100,000 visitors, it's no surprise that for many in the industry the Sydney show is where new boats and other products are originally launched to the marketplace. Major boat manufacturers such as The Riviera Group, Haines Hunter, Maritimo, Mustang Cruisers, Whittley, Haines Signature, Lewis and Sunrunner choose the Sydney International to unveil new models.

"With an attendance last year of more than 93,500, the Sydney International Boat Show stands unchallenged as the greatest show afloat in Australia and the major boating headquarters for the entire South Pacific Region," Genua added. "Extensive research conducted by the association reveals that our visitors comprise people in higher income brackets with more than 50 percent attending the show in order to purchase boats or goods. Although the majority comprises local residents, the research showed that nearly 10,000 visitors were from other parts of Australia, while more than four-percent, about 4,000 people, hailed from overseas."

Although the Sydney International Boat Show is the number one place for the marine industry to do business, the show itself is an entertainment extravaganza for visitors. Major "shows within the show" include the always popular (and often amusing!) Boat Building Competition, the Yamaha Fishing Clinic, usually playing to standing room-only audiences, the Strictly Sail Exhibit, Better Boating Workshops and an array of daily fashion parades showcasing the latest in sportswear and nautical clothing to appeal to all the family.

Roy Privett, general manager of the Boating Industry Association, said that apart from providing the marine industry with its vital lifeline to the consumer, the association's aim was to provide boating enthusiasts with a "not to be missed" day out.

"The Sydney International Boat Show is a "full on" day of entertainment and fun for all, not only the dedicated boating enthusiast," he said. "Darling Harbour is an attraction within itself and even those family members with only a passing interest in boating will enjoy the show, now an integral component of the Sydney calendar. With waterfront restaurants and snack bars, a massive three-story complex with enough retail outlets to satisfy 'shoppaholics' and its ease of access from all parts of the city, Darling Harbour is an exciting day out for all."

The 2005 Sydney International Boat Show, Thursday, July 28 to Tuesday, August 2, will be open daily, 10am to 8pm. Admission charges are $17 (single adults), $40 (family ticket admitting two adults and up to three children 6-17-years), $15 (Seniors), $11 (Pension Card holders) and $9 (children 6-17-years). Children under 5-years admitted free.

Public transport to the show venue includes Sydney's vast rail network, light rail, numerous bus services, ferries and the mono rail, while motorists will find several parking stations all within a few minutes walk of the main entrance.

The 2005 Sydney International Boat Show - the Southern Hemisphere's finest and the place to be on any or all of the six action-packed days, July 28-August 2.

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