Justin Jones and James Castrission, the two young Sydneysiders who gained world attention when they crossed from Australia to New Zealand in a kayak, will be special guests the 2008 Sydney International Boat Show (July 31-August 5).

The show, the largest recreational boating exhibition in the Southern Hemisphere, is set for six action-packed days at its now traditional Darling Harbour venue.

Organised by the Boating Industry Association of NSW and sponsored by NSW Maritime, the show is already a sell out, with more than 300 exhibitors within the 28,000 square metres of the six halls of the Darling Harbour Exhibition Centre and a further 70-plus displaying in excess of 300 luxury craft on the adjoining Cockle Bay Marina.

The show’s special guests, Justin Jones, 24 and James Castrission, 25, spent 62 days at sea, enduring 10.0-metres seas, howling, gale force winds and severe food and sleep deprivation to achieve their aim of ‘crossing the ditch.’

Their dramatic journey, from Forster, on the mid NSW north coast, to New Plymouth, New Zealand, is not only the first kayak expedition to cross the Tasman Sea, but has gone into the history books as the longest trans oceanic kayak journey ever undertaken by two adventurers.

Justin and James, together with the actual kayak that served as their ‘home’ for two months, will speak of their ordeal and adventure every day of the show at the Better Boating Lounge at 2pm and 5.30pm, with the exception of the Friday when their only appearance will be at 7.30pm.

As usual, the Sydney International Boat Show will offer a score of entertainment and education options for the family outing, with old favourites like the Yamaha Fishing Clinic and the daily Musto fashion parades returning.

Both the Yamaha Fishing Clinic and the Better Boating Lounge will present a range of informative and knowledgeable presenters throughout the show.

The Musto fashion parades, revealing the latest in sportswear and outdoor fashions for men, women and children, can be seen at the stages and will operate four times daily.

Of course, while show organisers recognise that visitors seek both entertainment and educational opportunities, the Sydney International remains very much ‘a boat show.’

At Darling Harbour show visitors will see the latest and the greatest product afloat, from tiny kayaks and canoes through to Trans oceanic mega yachts carrying multi-million dollar retail prices.

Many of the boats in display will be seen for the first time in NSW, among them recent winners in the Australian Marine Industry Federation Boat of the Year awards, among them the finest creations from Australian, American, Canadian, German, United Kingdom, French and Asian manufacturers.

In addition to boats, visitors will see the latest in marine engines, electronics, fishing tackle, scuba equipment and general boating accessories.

If it floats, if it’s connected with recreational boating, it will be on display at Darling Harbour.

The Sydney International Boat Show will be open at 10am daily; halls will remain open until 8pm daily, but operations on the Cockle Bay Marina will cease at 6pm.

Admission charges remain unchanged; $18 (single adult), $42 (family ticket admitting two adults and up to three children aged 6-17 years), $16 (Seniors Card holders), $12 (Aged Pensioners) and $10 (children aged 6-17 years). Children 5-years & under admitted free.

For more information please log onto the Media Area of www.sydneyboatshow.com.au/welcome-media.html or
phone Domenic Genua, Marketing and Event Manager
Phone (until 25 July) BIA office (02) 9438 2077 or 0412 642 357
Phone (26 July - 5 August) Boat Show Office (02) 9282 5546 or 0412 642 357
Email: genua@bia.org.au
www.sydneyboatshow.com.au Recorded Information line: 1300 7 BOATS (26287)

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About the Boating Industry Association of NSW Ltd
The Sydney International Boat Show is owned and operated by the Boating Industry Association of NSW Ltd (BIA). The BIA is a not-for-profit industry organisation, which represents over 90 percent of the retail boating industry in NSW. Member companies include boat builders, retailers, engine distributors, yacht brokers, trailer manufacturers, ship chandleries, hire and charter boat operators, marinas, shipwrights, mechanical and electrical engineers plus ancillary services. BIA members adhere to a voluntary Code of Practice and Code of Ethics. In addition, BIA is also involved in issues relating to recreational use of the waterways, including the environment, boating safety, access, and public facilities. The recreational marine industry turns over $7.8 Billion per annum and directly employs 28,000 people in Australia. For more information, visit www.bia.org.au

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