Darling Harbour is gearing up to play host to one of Sydney’s most exciting annual events, the Sydney International Boat Show, from 30 July – 3 August. Once again, the show will anchor in the city’s favourite harbour for five days of boating entertainment, events and the opportunity to witness a unique collection of famous and historic boats.
Organised by the Boating Industry Association of NSW (BIA), the Sydney International Boat Show promises to cater for all tastes with an array of events designed to entertain the whole family, from the keenest of boaties to those who simply want to learn more about the boating lifestyle.
“We have an extremely exciting line-up of attractions and events at this year’s show,” said Domenic Genua, Marketing and Event Manager for BIA. “We’re pulling out all the stops to provide visitors with an experience to remember. Whether you’re a boating enthusiast or simply interested in coming down to Darling Harbour for a fun-filled day for all the family, we have plenty for you to do and see. With more than 250 exhibitors, you can find everything you need to achieve the ideal boating lifestyle under one roof.”
Activities include:
Fishing Clinic
Fishing is one of Australia’s favourite pastimes. The Fishing Clinic at the Sydney International Boat Show has a reputation for being one of the most entertaining and informative of all clinics around Australia. With some of Australia’s most respected fishing experts on stage throughout the day, visitors to the show can expect to learn something new and enjoy a story or two that is typical of what makes fishing such a popular and lifelong passion for many people.
Better Boating Lounge
The Better Boating Lounge (incorporating Strictly Sail) brings a variety of informative and very entertaining presentations. The Better Boating Lounge will give show visitors a place to take a break and hear some fascinating and inspiring stories. This together with educational presentations will surely make people’s recreational boating much more pleasant, relaxing and fun. This year will feature a great array of speakers including some adventurers (old and new) with a great story to tell. They include, Pete Goss (Spirit of Mystery), Justin & James (Crossing the Ditch), Don & Margie McIntyre (Bounty Boat Expedition) and Jessica Watson (soon to be 16 year old round the world sailor).
Justin & James from Crossing the Ditch
Two of the most well received and entertaining guests at a boat show ever, were Justin and James from Crossing the Ditch. These gentlemen of the water carefully planned and successfully kayaked to New Zealand in 2008. Their presentations at the 08 show were so well received; the Sydney Boat Show has invited them back in 2009. This will be a special year for Justin & James who have selected the Sydney International Boat Show to launch their new book and DVD about their journey. Their now famous boat ‘Lot 41’ will also make it last appearance at a show. Hear Justin & James talk about their journey and get up and close and have a yarn to them about their trip.
Fashion Parades
Always colourful and informative, the Fashion Parades will feature three times a day from the fishing clinic and better boating lounge. See what’s new in recreational boating, social and competitive sailing clothing. The fashion parades will let you see not only what’s new in the fashion stakes, but also better understand some great new technology that makes for a much better and comfortable sailing outing. The fashion parades are family favourite with great music and great clothes.
Boat Building Competition
As the sun rises on the Saturday morning of the boat show each year, a select few highly skilled people prepare for one of the biggest days of their year. They are not sportsmen, they are not musicians, but they are competitors.
Competitors. Yes. Boat builders in fact. Select highly skilled tradesmen will gather for the annual boat building competition. Whilst normally working as the artists of the recreational boating industry, the boat building competition sees these guys (and gals) placed in an awkward and unusual working environment. Using hand tools only and limited materials, they are not only challenged to build a boat in only two hours, but also race the boat around Cockle Bay. Often very hilarious and entertaining, the boat building competition is worth the visit.
Discover Recreational Boating Tours
Boat show visitors this year will be treated to a special activity that will show you why so many people make recreational boating part of their regular family pastime. Show ticket holders will have the opportunity to take a free tour of Sydney Harbour on a Matilda Rocket. The trip will take less than one hour and your friendly host will be able to show all the on board guests some of the special places that every day families can enjoy their boating. You will see where some of the yacht clubs are, boat ramps, public moorings and of course, some great fishing spots. Best of all, its free to any boat show ticket holders.
Photo gallery and competition
Have you ever been in awe of the beautiful photographs that have been published about our waterways? Now here another reason why not to miss this year’s Sydney International Boat Show. Two of Australia’s most recognised and celebrated photographers, Andrea Francolini and Christophe Launay have agreed to allow a collection of their exceptional work to be on display at the show.
For those already handy with a camera, they can also participate by entering a competition that will select the top images and have them displayed alongside the photos of the professionals work. The rules to enter the competition are simple and anyone can enter. They simply send in their photo of their favourite recreational boating moment in NSW. The top entries will be displayed at the 2009 Sydney International Boat Show (July 30 to August 3) at the Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre in Darling Harbour.
There will be two awards. The first being the “People’s choice award”. Visitors to the show will be able to nominate their favourite picture. The second award will be chosen by Andrea Francolini and James Ostinga, Editor of Digital Photography + Design Magazine. There will be great prizes for the winning entries and the winning images will be published in Digital Photography + Design Magazine.
Classic and Old Boat Display
Nothing draws a crowd like the magnificent works and craftsmanship of old classic vessels. With the assistance of the Classic Speedboat Association and the Sydney Heritage Fleet, this year visitors to the show will be able to see some of the most magnificent vessels to ever grace our waterways.
Those interested in power or sail will see vessels of both types in a display designed to show the classic and creative alternative to modern craft. The display will be both inspiring and intriguing with some well known names amongst them.
Spirit of Mystery
Pete Goss and his Spirit of Mystery will be special guest at this year’s boat show. Pete built a wooden lugger and followed in the wake of seven Cornishmen who made a heroic journey to Australia 154 years ago. Proud of his West country roots and an enthusiastic wood-worker, the project is something Pete has wanted to do since he heard about the inspirational voyage of the Mystery.
The 37 ft ‘Mystery’ was an open Mounts Bay Lugger built in Newlyn. Times were hard and the seven Cornishmen, all related by either blood or marriage and share holders in the Mystery, made the decision to try their luck at the Australian gold rush over a pint in the Star Inn, Newlyn. It was suggested that the Mystery be sold to cover the passage. Captain Richard Nicholls, with a couple under his belt and in good spirits, said: “I’ll take you in the Mystery”; and so an amazing adventure was born.
Leaving Newlyn on Saturday 18 November 1854, the Mystery travelled about 11,800 nautical miles in 116 days before arriving in Melbourne on 14 March 1855.
Having built an identical replica of the vessel, Pete recreated the voyage arriving in Melbourne not long ago. See the vessel and hear his amazing story at the Sydney International Boat Show.
Walk of Fame
Australia’s maritime history is rich with classic vessels and those that have achieved some amazing feats. Whilst it is not too uncommon to see these vessels gracing our beautiful waterways, rarely does the opportunity arise to get close to them.
The 2009 will feature some of these great vessels for you to see and inspect. To date the following vessels will be part of our marina “Walk of Fame”.
Lady Hopetoun 1902 – 77ft long, Boomerang 1903 – 73ft long, Waratah 1902 – 108 ft long, Spirit of Mystery – 37ft long (60 ft) – Ex Cornwall UK.
But that’s not all. A few more surprises are in stall and will be announced soon.
Special visitor ticket offer
We have made on-line ticket sales available immediately and those that wish to purchase their tickets in advance not only buy them at a reduced rate, but they also have them delivered free in the post with no added handling fee.
Adult - $18 at gate, $15 on-line
Child - $10 at gate, $8 on-line
Family - $42 at gate, $35 on-line
3-Day Pass - $39
For further information please contact
Domenic Genua
T: (02) 9438 2077
E: genua@bia.org.au
www.sydneyboatshow.com.au
Notes to editors
About the Boating Industry Association of NSW Ltd
About the Boating Industry Association of NSW Ltd
The Boating Industry Association of NSW (BIA) is a not-for-profit industry organisation, which represents more than 90 percent of the retail boating industry in New South Wales. 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 as well as ancillary services. All BIA members adhere to a voluntary Code of Practice and Code of Ethics. In addition, the BIA is involved in responding to issues relating to the recreational use of NSW’s waterways, including the environment, boating safety, access and public facilities. For more information, please visit www.bia.org.au.
The BIA publishes the annual NSW Marine Directory (www.marinedirectory.com.au) as part of its charter to assist the boating public with access to the marine industry.
The BIA is also responsible for the Sydney International Boat Show (30 July – 3 August 2009). For more information, please visit www.sydneyboatshow.com.au.
