Sydney International Boat Show 2006

Well, not quite.

Sadly, the Boating Industry Association of NSW, organiser of the world-renowned Sydney International Boat Show (August 3-8), cannot promise 007, Sean Connery, Roger Moore or any of the others to have played the world's favourite spy.

However, Bond fans will be able to see first hand a range of the now legendary 'toys' that in many cases stole the show in Bond movies.

An amazing array of Bond memorabilia will be on display, enough to tempt the most demanding fan of 007.
Four marine craft headline the display.

They comprise the tow sled used in 'Thunderball'(1965), the Bath-O-Sub from 'Diamonds are Forever' (1971), the Neptune submarine from 'For Your Eyes Only' (1981) and the jet boat conceived by 'Q' from 'The World is not Enough' (1999).

The underwater tow sled used by both James Bond and the villain, Largo, in 'Thunderball', was one of 14 produced originally for the production company.

Only two remain today, with the original builder, Jordan Klein, owning the other.

The underwater Bath-)-Sub is one of two featured in 'For Your Eyes Only'.

It was used by 007's nemesis Blofeld to escape from the oil drilling platform that doubles as his headquarters.

The Neptune submarine on display is the actual model used in 'For Your Eyes Only' and was operated by stunt men using scuba gear and was seen throughout most of the film.

'Q's jet boat from the movie 'The World is Not Enough' was one of fifteen examples built, but only eight survive today.

The craft featured in the display is the model that excited movie goers with its barrel rolls on screen.

Other Bond memorabilia includes many original pieces and some highly detailed and accurate re-productions.
Genuine piece which were actually seen in the films include the electrified wrist watch from 'The World is Not Enough', Bond's mobile 'phone from 'Tomorrow Never Dies', a throwing star from 'You Only Live Twice', a photograph of Dr.No from the movie of the same name and Zorin's cheque book from ' a View to a Kill'.

Sure to add interest to the display are the faithful re-productions of the frightening 'death hat' thrown by Odd Job in the movie 'Goldfinger', Spectre's ring from 'Thunderball', the rocket cigarette from 'You Only Live Twice' and the brief case used in 'From Russia with Love'.

The 007 memorabilia adds to what is already a tremendous exhibition in the making scheduled for Darling Harbour over the six action-packed days during the first week in August.

More than 350 exhibitors will be showing their goods and services as they pack the six halls of the Darling Harbour Exhibition Centre with millions of dollars worth of boats, engines, marine electronics, fishing tackle, nautical clothing and general boating accessories.

On the waters of adjoining Cockle Bay, more than 270 luxury craft, many retailing at prices the equal of a Sydney waterfront, will comprise one of the show's many highlights.

Other prime attractions include the Yamaha Fishing Clinic, Better Boating Workshops, Strictly Sail and Discover Sailing Centre, daily fashion parades by Musto and, on the Saturday of the show, the always entertaining Boat Building Competition.

Show visitors can also sit for and renew boating licenses, discuss boat finance with BIA Marine Finance or talk insurance with one of the show's major sponsors, Club Marine Insurance.

The Sydney International Boat Show, largest exhibition of its type in the Southern Hemisphere, will be open daily, 10am to 8pm.

Proudly sponsored by Club Marine Insurance and NSW Maritime, it stands as the Sydney event not to me missed.

For further information visit the show website, www.sydneyboatshow.com.au
Recorded information: 1300 7 BOATS (26287)
Telephone +61 2 9438 2077