Sydney International Boat Show 2005

The 2005 Sydney International Boat Show is aiming high, with organisers the Boating Industry Association of NSW pulling out all stops in a concerted effort to top last year's massive 93,500-plus attendance.

Scheduled for six action-packed days, July 28 - August 2 at its traditional Darling Harbour venue, the Sydney International now stands unchallenged as the leading recreational boating exhibition in the Southern Hemisphere.

No Australian show is more deserving of the 'International' tag than Sydney, with exhibitors and visitors flocking to the harbour city from all corners of the world.

The best in boats and marine equipment from the United States, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Canada, South Africa, China, Belgium, Taiwan, Argentina and Thailand, to name but a few, will go head-to-head with the finest products produced by the Australian industry.

General opinion within the Australian marine industry is that Sydney stands apart as the "must do show."

More than 300 exhibitors, a spectacular floating marina playing host to 230-plus luxury vessels, a venue offering five-star hotels and the attractions to be found in one of the world's great cities all within a few minutes walk, signifies that the Sydney International Boat Show indeed "has it all."

Domenic Genua, the association's marketing and event manager, places plenty of emphasis on the show's entertainment factor. "Sydney is not merely a boat show, it's an exciting day out for the entire family, with a myriad of attractions to maintain interest for all," he said. The Yamaha Fishing Clinic, the Strictly Sail Expo, the introduction this year for the first time of Better Boating Workshops, the often hilarious Boat Building Competition and the popular fashion parades, showcasing the latest in nautical clothing and sportswear all add to the show's wide appeal.

Of course, the fabulous marina established in Cockle Bay specifically for the show, is always a major drawcard. For six days the marina is home to the world's finest and most luxurious motor yachts, powerboats and sailboats, with one or two vessels at prices exceeding AUD$10 million!

The fabulous UK-built vessels, Sunseeker, Princess and Fairline will be on show with the best from the USA, among them Sea Ray, Cobalt, Four Winns and Regal.

Sailboat enthusiasts will flock to the displays hosted by such illustrious names as Beneteau, Jeanneau, Catalina, Hunter and Australia's own Seawind.

Australia's largest big boat builder, The Riviera Group, will again be prominent, while many are eagerly awaiting the unveiling of the first Maritimo 50 from the drawing board of industry legend Bill Barry-Cotter.

"The bottom line at any boat show as far as exhibitors are concerned is profit generated by sales, and in that sphere Sydney is a genuine winner," Genua added. "Our research last year showed that visitors spent on average AUD$5 million per hour! This equates to more than AUD$300 million confirmed spent over the six days, with an additional AUD$200 million in follow-up sales from the show. Contributing a massive half billion dollars to the local marine industry, it's easy to see why the Sydney International is viewed as a vital component in any company's planning," he added.

The 2005 show will operate from 10am to 8pm daily, including the six vast halls of the Darling Harbour Exhibition Centre and the adjoining Cockle Bay Marina.

Admission charges are AUD$17 (single adult), AUD$40 (family ticket admitting two adults and up to three children aged 6-17-years), AUD$15 (Seniors Card holders), AUD$11 (pensioners) and AUD$9 (children aged 6-17-years). Children five-years and under admitted free.

Parking stations dot the area; all within a few minutes walk of the main entrance.
The venue is well served by all manner of public transport, including Sydney's vast suburban rail network, light rail, monorail, buses and ferry services.

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