The 2008 Sydney International Boat Show (July 31-August 5) will offer a smorgasbord of interesting attractions, none more so that daily appearances by the two young adventurers who conquered the Tasman Sea aboard a kayak.

Justin Jones, 24, and James Castrission, 25, attracted the attention of the world’s media when they set out from Forster, on the NSW north coast, and arrived in New Plymouth, New Zealand, 62 days later.

The intrepid duo endured howling winds, mountainous seas, and sleep and food deprivation during their epic voyage and together with the actual kayak they called ‘home’ for two months will be appearing at the Better Boating Lounge at 2pm and 5.30pm every day except Friday, when their only appearance will be at 7.30pm.

Already a complete sell out, with more than 300 exhibitors thronging the six vast halls of the 28,000 square metre Darling Harbour Exhibition Centre and a further 70-plus displaying a range of luxury craft on the adjoining Cockle Bay Marina, the show, sponsored by NSW Maritime, looks set for a prime edition.

Many of the boats on display will be seen in NSW for the first time, with Australia’s leading manufacturers Maritimo, Riviera, Mustang, Haines Signature, Quintrex, Cruise Craft, Stacer, Whittley, Evolution and Haines Hunter all introducing models new to NSW.

The imports, too, will be there in numbers, with Chris-Craft, Beneteau, Sea Ray, Bayliner, Bavaria, Maxum, Cobalt, Ferretti, Johnson, Fairline, Sunseeker, Regal, Grand Banks and Horizon leading the charge.

Many of the show’s confirmed favourites return, including the popular Yamaha Fishing Clinic, often playing to standing room-only audiences, daily Musto fashion parades revealing the latest sports and outdoor wear for all in the family and the education and entertainment at the Better Boating Lounge.

Domenic Genua, Marketing and Event manager for show organiser the Boating Industry Association of NSW, said it was recognised that show visitors sought both entertainment and education from their visit.

“We make a concerted effort to ensure visitors are exposed to both,” he said. “The show is very much a family day out and we make certain that every member of a family will find something of interest”.

“An interesting array of speakers will conduct presentations daily at the Better Boating Lounge, covering a multitude of topics on every aspect of boating imaginable,” he added.

For the genuine boating enthusiast, a major reason for attending the Sydney International Boat Show will be the opportunity to see first hand the vessels named as winners in the recent Marine Awards conducted by the Australian Marine Industries Federation.

Among the craft on the marina will be the Riviera 4400 Sport Yacht, named all-round Australian Powerboat of the Year and the imposing Maritimo 550 Offshore Convertible which took out the top honour for non-trailerable fishing boats over 10.0-metres. The Buizen 48, named Sailboat of the Year, is another certain to attract attention.

If these million dollar-plus examples seem out of one’s price range, don’t despair, the award winners among the smaller craft will also be on show, including the popular ‘tinnies’ by Quintrex and Stacer and the fibreglass models from Haines Signature, Whittley Marine and Savage.

Although boats remain the primary reason for staging the show, many visitors attend to check out associated equipment, and the 2008 Sydney International Boat Show is the right place to do just that.

The latest nautical power, outboard, inboard and stern drive, high-tech marine electronics, fishing tackle, scuba equipment, nautical clothing and ship’s furnishings and general boating accessories, all will command attention from show visitors.

Opening hours and admission prices for the 2008 Sydney International Boat Show remain unchanged.
The show will open daily at 10am, with the halls remaining open each day until 8pm, while operations will cease on the marina at 6pm.

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

For those unfamiliar with Darling Harbour or visiting the show for the first time, the venue is served by all manner of public transport, including buses, ferries, light rail, mono rail and Sydney’s vast suburban rail network.

Motorists will find the area dotted with parking stations, all within a few minutes walk of the main entrance.

The Sydney International Boat Show cannot be seen in “an hour or two.” Show regulars recommend an early arrival, breakfast at one of the many café’s and restaurants over looking the marina and a solid day (or two!) inspecting the various displays.

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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