Riviera the 'headline act' at BIBS

by Bob Wonders on 25 Aug 2008 Riviera is anticipated to appear as the ‘headline act’ at the Brisbane International Boat Show, with its 4700 Sport Yacht now located in the Brisbane Exhibition Centre for the 2008 Club Marine Brisbane International Boat Show (August 27 – 31).

At 1.00am on Sunday morning, it was all go at the Coomera plant of Riviera as a 4700 Sport Yacht was loaded onto a massive trailer in preparation for its voyage north to the Brisbane Exhibition Centre and the 2008 Club Marine Brisbane International Boat Show (August 27 – 31).

Scheduled for a 3.00am arrival, two 25-tonne cranes were on stand by to shepherd the largest vessel ever displayed at the centre into its spectacular display area near the main entrance.

Riviera has displayed its vessels previously at the Brisbane exhibition, but he 4700 Sport Yacht is certainly the largest to make the trip north along the motorway.

The Gold Coast manufacturer is not attending the show to sell boats; the actual exhibitor is Riviera Syndication, which encourages people to purchase a $137,500 share (plus on-goings) that provides them with 33 days use of the luxury vessel per year.

Show organiser Marine Queensland has declared the show the largest totally internal recreational boating exhibition in the Southern Hemisphere.

Nearly 150 exhibitors have committed to displaying their goods and services over the five action-packed days.

It may well be the Brisbane International Boat Show, but marine dealers, manufacturers and distributors from as far away as the NSW north coast, the Sunshine and Gold Coasts will be among the attractions.

One show feature sure to attract interest from the younger brigade will be the Kid’s Marine Zone.

Here, junior boaters will be able to learn yabby catching, knot tying, net and rod casting, with a team of experts on hand to ensure they absorb sound knowledge.

To attract the youngsters this year, Marine Queensland has offered free entry to all under 12-years-of-age.

The Fishing Expo will again prove a major drawcard, with a team of experienced presenters and live weigh-ins from the Bream Classic scheduled to be held on the Fishing Expo stage on the Friday, Saturday and Sunday of the show.

Cooking demonstrations showing the right methods to prepare Queensland’s delicious seafood will also be a regular feature.

All the prominent names in recreational boating will feature on displays throughout the centre.

Haines Signature, Cruise Craft, Quintrex, Horizon, Haines Hunter, Stacer, Bayliner, Whittley and Sea Ray among the respected brand names on display, together of course with Riviera.

The latest engines from Mercury, Suzuki, Honda, Mariner, Evinrude and Yamaha will attract those seeking to re-power, while marine electronics, general boating accessories and, of course, fishing tackle displays will create their own level of interest.

Admission charges for the 2008 Brisbane International Show comprise $16 (single adult), $24 (adult two-day pass) and $11 (Pensioners, students and Boat Club members).

All those under 12-years admitted free.

Tickets may be booked on-line at www.brisbaneboatshow.com.au

The 2008 Brisbane International Boat Show will be open 10am to 9pm, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, and 10am to 6pm on Saturday and Sunday.

For further information visit the website or contact Marine Queensland, telephone (07) 3899-3333.