What to see and do at the Boat Show in 2019

Fishing Focus

Game fishing multi-world-record holder Tim Simpson leads this year’s fishing master classes, sharing the three key tips to game fishing success. Steve ‘Starlo’ Starling returns to talk about making the most of fishing in estuaries. Also, on stage, Justin Duggan has all the information on landing big fish with light tackle. Paul Burt tells of his sneaky techniques for ‘fishing the pressure points’, while Jo Starling gives her insights on making family fishing trips more fun and finding fish in new water. Peter Johnson joins the team this year to discuss landing snapper on inshore reefs, along with the tricks for hooking bream and flathead.

Additionally, YouTube sensation Rhys Creed shares his secrets on catching the huge but sometimes elusive Murray cod. Rhys has built an incredible following amongst the internet generation, based around his online videos and engaging style, demonstrating his skill and love of fishing.

The Supertank again makes a welcome return where Brett Thomson and Michael ‘Cookie’ Cook present live fish, chasing a variety of lures right in front of your eyes. Learn about the best gear and techniques, while witnessing how well they work.

Brett Thomson

Jo Starling

Justin Duggan

Paul Burt

Peter Johnson

Rhys Creed

Steve Starling

Tim Simpson

Fishing Stage Schedule:

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Floorplans

Boating Safety

The show also features Transport for NSW as the show’s Partner in Safety, hosting the Boating Safety Zone where government regulators and other associations are keen to discuss how they keep our waterways safe, and protect the ecological sustainability of the marine environment.

THE BOATING DEVELOPMENT STAGE

Upper Level, 4 Exhibition Centre

Solo Ocean Rower - Michelle Lee

Excitement and adventure can also be found at the Sydney International Boat Show, as ocean rower Michelle Lee with her boat Australian Maid make a special visit to the show this year. Michelle is the only Australian woman to row solo non-stop across any ocean, successfully crossing the Atlantic earlier this year, a distance of 5000 kilometres. Her story of tenacity, strength, survival and sheer determination is inspiring, along with the design and cost challenges of developing her own boat, and the will power required to make it to the start, let alone the finish line. Michelle will be at the show each day, giving talks at the Boating Development stage.

Michelle Lee

Marine Explorer - Dean Cropp

Marine explorer and cinematographer Dean Cropp is presenting 3 presentations each day at the Development Stage (Upper level) of the show, recounting his many adventures travelling with his father, documentary producer Ben Cropp. Presenting “The Sharks were BIGGER in my day” Dean talks about growing-up on the road with his Dad, learning to walk and live an adventurous boating life, steering Dean towards his own course of exploration. Dean will also talk about “The little-known wonders of Sydney Harbour”, and his time sailing Australia’s most remote Coral Sea reefs and beyond. Treasure hunting and extraordinary wildlife are all part of Dean’s life, including encounters with whales that drop by to say Hi, fevers of manta rays, sharks, and Dean’s favourite hobby of trying to locate shipwrecks his father failed to uncover.

Dean Cropp

Water Speed Record - Spirit of Australia II

Popular last year, The Spirit of Australia II returns as a major feature of the show this year, with Ken Warby’s son David challenging for the Outright Unlimited World Water Speed Record. Ken himself recorded two world records with the original Spirit of Australia, and has now made small improvements in the hull design to ensure the new Spirit of Australia II will be a record breaker.

The vessel has close to 50% more power than the original boat, powered by a Rolls Royce Orpheus 803 ex-Italian Air Force jet engine, removed from a Fiat Gina G-91 jet fighter. It’s as much a rocket as it is a boat. See it at the show and have a chat to Dave about his ongoing record-breaking plans.

Australian Circumnavigator - Lisa Blair

In 2017 Lisa Blair became the first woman to sail solo around Antarctica with one stop. She suffered incredible storm conditions and a dramatic de-masting but within a month of completing and surviving that voyage, she was already preparing her next adventure. Lisa aimed to become the first woman to sail solo, non-stop and unassisted around Australia.

Hear Lisa present her positive, empowering story at the Sydney International Boat Show, telling of the highs and lows of sailing solo around Australia in 58 Days, including her almost sinking on the final run to the finish line.

Lisa Blair

The Event Deck

The outdoor Event Deck on the top exhibition level is where the purpose built 35 metre pool hosts on-water demonstrations of marine products. See and actually hop aboard kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, pedal boards and other unique vessels on the water. Powerful off-shore power boats will also be on display, as well as speed craft from Ski Racing NSW, iconic Perry surf boats, and an array of tinnies.

This is where the kids get to enjoy free bumper boat rides, while the Event Deck is also home to the outdoor food and beverage bar, a great place to relax and rendezvous while enjoying a spectacular view across the city with Bondi Beach Radio playing a few tunes.

Food and Beverage Bar

There are many outlets around the show where food and drinks are available. Take a special moment to relax at the outdoor food and beverage bar, located on the Event Deck accessed from the upper exhibition level. With a variety of food and drinks on offer, the bar features a spectacular view across the city, while you enjoy beer, sparkling wine and food to match. Sit back and take in the action on the big screen, screening highlights of off-shore power boat racing, water ski championships, explorer video and fishing competitions.

Dive Expo

Joining the Sydney International Boat Show for another year is the Australia International Dive Expo. Here you’ll find exhibitors with all the gear and information needed to enjoy diving as a sport, for business, research, conservation or recreation. The on-site trial pool presents the opportunity to experience scuba diving under the guidance of professional instructors, while the dive gear workshops are a great place for novices to learn about the equipment needed to start diving, or for experienced divers wanting to learn how to keep their gear well maintained.

WHAT’S ON AT THE 2019 DIVE EXPO

Maritime Museum

Australia enjoys a rich history centred around boating and travelling great distances across the seas. The Australian National Maritime Museum presents treasures and artefacts at the show, sourced from their collection at the museum also located close by at Darling Harbour. Visit the display to see and hear how the museum is protecting relics from our early history, and some of the preservation activities taking place right now across their impressive collection, and how you can get involved.