15 August 2007

The Sydney International Boat Show ended under sunny skies after 6 days of information and entertainment for boating enthusiasts and novices alike.
 
The show in its 40th year turned out one of the greatest displays of recreational boating covering all market segments. 
 
Visitors to the show were treated to non-stop entertainment and one of the finest displays seen at a boat show in this country.
 
The 28,000 square metres of under cover displays, complimented with the specially built marina hosting 300 large vessels was every boaters dream.
 
Show exhibitors reported mixed results with swings in consumer demand for various products evident from the first day of trading.
 
Larger vessels appeared to be the flavor of the month, with numerous marina exhibitors reporting high levels of interest and show visitors willing to make an immediate commitment for a new vessel.  Brands such as Maritimo, Riviera and Seawind Catamarans all reported excellent results.
 
Tim Sayer, Managing Director of Riviera’s R Marine Retail Network, said,  “We are celebrating record sales of 42 boats, valued at more than $53 million, at the annual Sydney International Boat Show this week”.
 
Brent Vaughan from Seawind advised that Seawind Catamarans have recorded the highest-ever sales result from a single boat show in the company’s 25-year history, with a dozen new catamarans ordered. At close of business on the Monday, with still one day yet to go, they had finalised 10 Seawind Catamaran sales worth $4.5 million.
 
Whilst attendance figures were marginally down on the previous year (81,957 in 2007, with 84,662 in 2006), the show proved to be a winner for the recreational marine industry, ensuring that recreational boating and the lifestyle associated with it were presented to the public in its best light.

Domenic Genua, the Events Marketing Manager noted the trend for visitors purchasing tickets at the marina.  Whilst historically 30% of ticket purchases occurred at the marina ticket booths, this year indications are that it could be as high as 60%.  This may only be a result of the added external ticketing facilities, but did not affect visitation to the halls.  Research shows that an insignificant percentage of visitors choose to visit either the halls or marina only.
 
The boat show dates for 2008 are Thursday 31st July to Tuesday 5th August.
 
For further information contact:
 
Domenic Genua – Marketing & Events Manager, Boating Industry Association of NSW Ltd on 02 9438 2077. 

For editors information only: 

	Thursday	Friday	Saturday	Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Total
2006 Visitors	8,576	11,194	22,675	25,884	9,532	6,801	84,662
2007 Visitors	8,695	11,435	22,075	23,962	8,707	7,084	81,957
Difference	119	241	-600	-1,922	-825	283	-2,705
% Difference	1.4	2.1	-2.6	-7.4	-8.7	4.2	-3.2

 

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