Sydney International Boat Show 2005

The latest creations from Australia's award winning boat builders, new high-tech marine electronics and an array of marine engines from the world's leading manufacturers will be among the many highlights at the 2005 Sydney International Boat Show.

Scheduled for six action-packed days, July 28 - August 2 at its now traditional venue, Darling Harbour, the show will pack the six halls of the Darling Harbour Exhibition Centre with millions of dollars worth of boats and marine products.

Always a major attraction, the specially constructed and spectacular Cockle Bay Marina will play host to more than 230 luxury vessels, power and sail, many carrying retail prices the equal (or even higher!) of a Sydney waterfront!

More than 300 exhibitors, among them the leading manufacturers, importers, distributors and retailers of the Australian marine industry will be displaying their goods and services at the show.

A member of the prestigious International Federation of Boat Show Organisers (IFBSO), the Sydney International Boat Show stands unchallenged as the premiere recreational boating exhibition in the Southern Hemisphere. It is truly deserving of its 'international' status, attracting exhibitors and visitors from across the world.

Boats, engines, general marine equipment, industry identities and visitors flock to Darling Harbour from as far afield as the United States and Thailand, Germany and China, the United Kingdom and the Philippines, South Africa and Belgium, Taiwan and France, to name but a few.

"The Sydney International is more than just a boat show, it's a major event for the marine industry throughout the South East Asian and Pacific Rim region," Domenic Genua, marketing and event manager for show organisers, the Boating Industry Association of NSW, explained. "Many of the top companies have told the association that if they exhibit at one show only, that show will be the Sydney International. It stands as a vital promotional component of the world's marine industry."

When more than 93,500 visited the 2004 Sydney International Boat Show, it established a record gate figure for any boat show staged south of the equator. For Australia's boating and outdoor enthusiasts, the Sydney International Boat Show will prove as honey is to bees, with an expected attendance approaching the 'magic ton', 100,000 people.

From an exhibitor viewpoint the show will, as usual, be a complete sell out.

Organisers have gone to great lengths to ensure the show presents as an entertainment spectacular, with many attractions incorporated into it to maintain interest throughout the six days. The Strictly Sail Exhibit, Boat Building Competitions, Better Boating Workshops, daily fashion parades and the Yamaha Fishing Clinic are among the shows within the show that will draw the crowds.

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

One of Darling Harbour's major features remains its easy accessibility; it is only a few minutes downhill stroll from the heart of downtown Sydney and is well served by all manner of public transport, including the suburban rail network, numerous bus services, the monorail, light rail and ferries. Motorists will find parking stations throughout the area, all within a few minutes walk of the main entrance.

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