Sydney International Boat Show 2006

August 3 - 8, when Darling Harbour comes alive for the 2006 Sydney International Boat Show, nothing more clearly demonstrates the show's importance than the fact that industry leaders from across Australia rate it as the "must attend" show.

Looking for the top management of the nation's leading boat manufacturers, importers and distributors that action-packed week, there's only one place to locate them, Darling Harbour.

The industry's "top guns", men like Bill Barry-Cotter, CEO of Maritimo and still remembered as the man who built The Riviera Group, boating's "first family", John Haines and sons John Jnr and Greg (of Haines Signature fame), the Hunt family, Peter and Jonathon, arguably Sydney's best-known marine retailers, Brisbane's Nichols Brothers (Cruise Craft) and the Steber family (Stebercraft) are among those who find they cannot afford not be at Darling Harbour.

The top management of industry heavyweights like Mercury Marine, Yamaha Motor, Bombardier Recreational Products, The Riviera Group, International Marine and Haines Hunter are among the many industry identities that recognise the importance of the Sydney International Boat Show.

It's not only Australian industry leaders who attend; the Sydney International Boat Show is fully deserving of its 'international' tag with industry identities from New Zealand, the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, South Africa, France, Thailand, Belgium, Taiwan, Sweden, the Philippines and Malaysia among the nations represented.

More than 350 exhibitors have committed to display their goods and services at the show, without doubt the largest show of its type staged in the Southern Hemisphere.

This year's show also plays host to the largest marina display ever to grace Cockle Bay., with more than 300 vessels calling the marina home over the six days.

When it comes to highlights, it's hard to know where to start when discussing the Sydney International Boat Show.

That fabulous marina display has many rivals in the spectacular stakes.

Take, for example, a fabulous display of memorabilia from the popular James Bond movies, or the Yamaha Fishing Clinic, a long time show favourite regularly playing to standing room-only audiences.

Perhaps the Better Boating Workshops will attract attention from many visitors as will the Strictly Sail and Discover Sailing Centre, while all in the family will marvel at the daily fashion parades showcasing the latest nautically-inspired sportswear.

There's something of interest around every corner at the Sydney International Boat Show.

Show visitors also have the opportunity to "judge the judges", to see first hand the vessels in all the categories honoured in the recent Boats of the Year awards staged by the Australian Marine Industries Federation.

Nearly every winner, as well as those attaining Commendation Awards, will be at the show.

The 2006 show will be open daily, 10am to 8pm (halls and marina).

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

The venue is well served by public transport, with rail, ferry, light rail, monorail and numerous bus services all convenient to the main entrance.

Motorists will find parking stations easily located, all within a few minutes walk of the main gate.

Visitors should bear in mind that recent research undertaken by show organiser the Boating Industry Association of NSW has shown that a single day barely allows a full inspection of the exhibition.

The genuine boating enthusiast will allocate two days to see all the show has to offer and will ensure an early start, perhaps with breakfast at one of the many cafes and restaurants overlooking Cockle Bay.

Proudly sponsored by Club Marine Insurance and NSW Maritime, the 2006 Sydney International Boat Show demands your attendance.

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