Sydney International Boat Show 2006

When the 2006 Sydney International Boat Show throws opens the doors at Darling Harbour (August 3- 8), it's fair to say that boats, every style from a tiny tinnie to luxurious offshore motor yachts will comprise the main attraction.

For the true boating enthusiast, however, the Sydney International Boat Show is literally packed with items of interest, everything from marine electronics to fishing tackle, nautical clothing to marine engines, charter boat holidays to boating finance and insurance matters, scuba gear to water ski equipment.
It's all scheduled for Darling Harbour and the largest recreational boating exhibition staged south of the equator.

Show organisers, the Boating Industry Association of NSW, have left no proverbial stone unturned to bring a spectacle of entertainment and educational boating matters to the 2006 show.

Old favourites return, such as the popular Yamaha Fishing Clinic, the daily fashion parades by Musto showcasing the latest sportswear for men, women and children and, on the Saturday of the show, the often hilarious Boat Building Competition.

Other prime attractions include the Strictly Sail and Discover Sailing Centre, Better Boating Workshops, the 2006 Boats of the Year, an exciting array of memorabilia from the James Bond movies and on the adjoining Cockle Bay Marina Australia's largest display of luxury craft comprising more than 270 vessels, some retailing at prices in excess of a Sydney waterfront!

More than 350 exhibitors will pack the six vast halls of the Darling Harbour Convention Centre and the Cockle Bay Marina with many millions of dollars worth of boats and boating equipment.

As pointed out, the show is more than simply boats.

Let's take a look at the astonishing range of products on view to show visitors.

Renowned rigging manufacturer Ronstan, honoured more than once as the Australian marine industry's Exporter of the Year, will be showing its complete range of high-tech FSE Robline yachting ropes from the renowned Austrian-based Teufelberger company.

Recognised as Europe's top yachting ropes, Ronstan as from September 1 this year will assume exclusive distribution rights for the FSE Robline range for Australia, New Zealand, the Pacific Rim and the United States.

Those who enjoy the thrills of life underwater are sure to find interest at the display hosted by Imbros, featuring the Video Ray ROV, the smallest, lightest and most easily deployed Remotely Operated Vehicle available for capturing high quality underwater video.

State of the art materials, electronics, optics and hydrodynamics make this unit the most sophisticated of its type.

Imbros will also be displaying the SCUBAR, a hand-held, underwater inspection scope allowing instant video footage enabling inspection of fouled anchor lines and propellers, marine growth, checking anodes and many other leisure and fun applications.

Wholesale Marine Direct will be showing a product sure to interest all boat owners.

It's called 'Salt-Away', hailed as the most concentrated salt-removing product available.

One-litre of Salt-Away will make up a useable 512-litres to flush an engine and wash the salt away from a boat, trailer, trailer brakes, fishing tackle and scuba equipment.

Salt-Away is also 100 percent non-toxic, biodegradable and non-hazardous.

The keen anglers at the show will certainly take note of the Furuno Australia (formerly Taylor Marine) display.

With the very latest in fish finders, auto pilots and depth sounders on display, the Furuno display will be a definite gathering point for boaters.

The display will include the latest releases, the FCV-620 and FCV-585 Fish Finders, both dual frequency units available as either 600 W or 1 kW as well as a sunlight viewable, bright colour LCD screen.

Each boasts a new swivel mount, desktop bracket employing a quick release system.

Fish Finders, Depth Sounders and Autopilots offering the latest features will all be on display by Furuno Australia.

For keen yachtsmen and women a visit to the Cockle Bay Marina will reveal two new sailboats sure to prove of interest.

Indent Products will be showing a 24' keel yacht by Malbel Yachts, which was voted 'best value' at the 2006 Southampton International Boat Show earlier this year.

With a modern design, fine entry, swept back spreaders and open transom, this is an ideal rig for club racing and weekends away.

Malbel Yachts will also bring to the show a stylish 29' keel yacht offering speed, style and grace at a competitive price.

Like its smaller sibling, it has an up to the minute design with a fine hull entry and open transom.

Long, lazy weekends aboard are an attraction, but this yacht can also compete fiercely on the club racing scene.

Sailboats, of course, need their deck hardware of all types and applications and Deckhardware Australasia will be unveiling the latest in Spinlocks at the show.

The PXR rates as a high-performance version of the successful PX range and is optimised for performance ropes in the 2mm, 6mm and 8mm-10mm ranges.

It boasts a three-stage release spring that can be pre-set for prevailing conditions and applications, such as lighter settings for continuously trimmed sheets, traveller controls and vangs and harder settings for halyards and lines adjusted occasionally.

The low profile body of the PXR contains hard-anodised CAM and base surfaces for maximum grip and durability, with stainless steel rope guides provide a wide angle of control with easy release from any angle.

Worn out after trekking through the hundreds of displays?

Then you need to chat with Sunsail and think about a luxury crewed cruise through the fabulous Whitsundays or even to exotic Tahiti.

Sunsail is the world's leading sailing holiday company and will be showcasing its brand new feature, Luxury Crewed Cruises, at the show.

These offer an affordable and convenient way to experience a luxury cruising holiday to fabulous new locations.

This innovative Sunsail product allows guests to spend their time relaxing or become actively involved in sailing the vessel.

Packages start from as low as $1100.00 for a three night cruise, the cost including a private double cabin, all meals and beverages (BYO alcohol), linen, full use of the vessel's windsurfers, kayaks and snorkelling equipment and a professional skipper and host.

It's the Sydney International Boat Show and it certainly is more than just boats.

The 2006 show, sponsored by Club Marine Insurance and NSW Maritime, will be open daily, 10am to 8pm.

Believe us, it's not to be missed.

For further information visit the show website, www.sydneyboatshow.com.au