2002 Sydney International Boat Show
press release...
Crowds Flock to Darling Harbour for 2002 Sydney International Boat Show
2nd August 2002
Unseasonal "spring" weather conditions have attracted scores of boating enthusiasts to Darling Harbour for the 2002 Sydney International Boat Show.
The show, sponsored by Club Marine Insurance and The Waterways Authority, opened yesterday (August 1) and will offer a six-day boating spectacle within the Darling Harbour Exhibition Centre and on the extravaganza that is the Cockle Bay Marina alongside.
More than 160 "dream machines", many retailing at more than $2 million, have given the show and impetus placing it among the world's best recreational boating
exhibitions.With brilliant sunshine and mild temperatures, officials from the Boating Industry Association of NSW, organisers of the show, could not hide the smiles their faces as
men in shirtsleeves and women in summer frocks thronged the marina displays.Roy Privett, general manager of the association, has predicted the weather could see near record attendance for this year's show.
"We're reasonably confident of attendance upwards of 80,000", he said.
More than 300 exhibitors are displaying their goods and services at the show, among them Australia's leading boat manufacturers and engine and marine equipment
distributors.Major attractions include the first Sydney showing of two new boats from the award-winning manufacturer, The Riviera Group.
The company, hosting the largest exhibit it has ever staged at Sydney, has unveiled its $2 million-plus 58 Convertible and its latest creation, the stylish 47 Convertible.
Mustang Cruisers has launched its powerful 4600 Mirage sportboat, which is also attracting widespread interest.
According to Domenic Genua, marketing and event manager for the Boating Industry Association, attractions which can be relied on to attract considerable interest
include the fishing clinic, Fish Right, with Yamaha, the Discover Sailing Centre and the daily fashion parades.On opening day, every available seat was taken for most fishing clinic sessions as the serious and the beginner listed intently to the word from the experts.
"With this weather anything could happen", Genua said.
"The crowds have turned out in force so far and it would take a brave man to predict anything other than a highly successful show".
Genua said the show would open daily, 10am to 8pm, and offered something of interest for all the family.
"It's only once a year, so for all with a love of the great outdoors there's no better place to spend this weekend", he added.
For further information visit the show website, www.sydneyboatshow.com.au or, better yet, simply turn up at Darling Harbour for recreational boating's number one event.