Sydney International Boat Show 2006

The Sydney International Boat Show which starts next Thursday August 3rd at Darling Harbour, presents a major opportunity for the sport of Sailing.

The overall 2006 show visitor numbers are likely to 'nudge' 100,000 of which more than 30,000 will have an interest in sailing and it is an important time for the sport which is constantly seeking to increase its participant level.

Domenic Genua, the Marketing and Event Manager Organiser, the Boating Industry Association of NSW, explains that the Strictly Sail Stage activities have been expanded in 2006.

‘We’ve been keen to improve the participation of the Sailing industry in the Show and this year we've taken a major step forward.

'Rob Kothe and the team from Sail-World.com, the most visited Sailing website in the southern hemisphere, has been working with us to expand the range of presentations on the Strictly Sailing Stage.

'Our objective is to educate and inspire and this year we have an outstanding array of speakers; from young sailors who are enjoying their sailing and doing interesting things in their sailing career, to youngsters just starting and aiming to be Sailing World Champions and Olympians.

‘As show organisers, we are keen to bring to our visitors what they want and with the large number of sailing enthusiasts attending each year, bringing Sail-World.com on board as part of our team was a logical way of ensuring that our visitors' show experience is improved.

‘Sail-World.com are very well connected with the sailing fraternity and it is with their help that this year's sailing stage will undoubtedly be the best ever.'

The Strictly Sailing Expo takes place at the Boating Activity Stage in Hall 1 and will run daily from 2.00 pm to 6.00 pm - that is four hours of education and sailing tips for both the novice and experienced sailor, on all things sailing.

Who will be on the Stage?

Olympic 49er sailor and Round the World racer Chris Nicholson will be recounting some of the extreme experiences from the movistar campaign in the 2006-2006 Volvo Ocean Race.

Australia’s highest ranked Match Racing Women's sailor Katie Spithill, just back from a win in the Grade One Santa Maria Cup in Annapolis will be talking about sport and business career paths.

Penny Haire from the Royal Yachting Association Training Department will be discussing the international training programs now available through Australian Sailing schools.

Rob Webb, Manager - Weather Services (NSW) - Bureau of Meteorology will be discussing and informing listeners on Marine Weather.

Graham Wilson from High Performance Sailing at Vaucluse Sailing Club, will be explaining his popular Introduction to Sailing Course, with eight to ten year olds.

Gary Schipper will be examining Safety at Sea issues and he is well qualified to discuss the subject, having been overboard in a Hobart race.

Kirsten Kosmala from Yachting NSW will chart a pathway from junior sailing to the Olympic regattas.

Australian Sailing Team’s Michael Jones, along with squad members, will be providing an update on Beijing Olympics and beyond.

Presentation times will be listed shortly at both www.sydneyboatshow.com.au and www.sail-world.com.

The Strictly Sailing Stage is just another great reason why you must attend the largest Boat Show in the southern hemisphere.

Sydney International Boat Show
3-8 August 2006
10am-8pm

Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre & Cockle Bay Marina
Darling Harbour

www.sydneyboatshow.com.au