World premieres and national debuts for Sydney International Boat Show

by Bob Wonders on 8 Jul 2014 Visitors to the 2014 Sydney International Boat Show, and there could be more than 70,000 of them, will be treated to a stunning array of new vessels being unveiled for the very first time on the world stage.

The show, owned and organised by the Boating Industry Association of NSW (BIA), will set Darling Harbour and Glebe Island ‘alight’ over five action-packed days, July 31 to August 4.

This year’s show will be unlike any other, with the spectacular floating marina on Darling Harbour’s Cockle Bay remaining at its traditional home, while the massive indoor displays normally housed in the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre (now under redevelopment) will be staged for the next three-years at a purpose-bullt facility, the Sydney Exhibition Centre at Glebe Island.

Mr Domenic Genua, Marketing and Event Manager for the BIA, said the two sites would linked throughout the show by regular, free ferry services and shuttle buses.

'We are confident we will deliver a first-class event, with no distraction for show visitors to enjoy the two sites with the added attraction of a cruise down the harbour on one of the ferries,' he declared.

As usual, the show will operate on its normal times, with the Cockle Bay Marina operating from 10am to 6pm and Glebe Island 10am to 8pm.

Although Darling Harbour is well served by numerous public transport options, Mr Genua recommends those who prefer to travel by car avoid Glebe Island and make use of the many parking stations in the Darling Harbour/Pyrmont area.

'Despite the two locations, Darling Harbour remains the show’s ‘front door’ with parking stations all within a few minutes walks of the entrance,' he explained.

Although luxury vessels in the million-dollar-plus price range make up only a small segment of the boating industry’s turnover (for obvious reasons), the glamorous craft always comprise an exhibition highlight.

This year will be no different, with major boat builders from Australia and the world taking advantage of the Sydney International Boat Show to unveil brand new models.

Two particular vessels seem destined to attract a horde of admirers when they are shown to the world for the very first time.

Riviera, claiming to be Australia’s most awarded luxury boat builder, will stage its usual impressive line up with the absolute star of its display being the vessel the company calls 'the largest and most sophisticated Sport Yacht in the Riviera fleet.'

Labelled the 6000 Sport Yacht has been created by calling on Riviera’s 34-years of boat building experience and feedback from owners world-wide.

Riviera chairman Rodney Longhurst said the new vessel featured all-new and innovative design and technological enhancements.

'I am confident it will impress the boating aficionado with sleek external styling featuring a solid and robust hull with large windows a standard feature in ever cabin,' Mr Longhurst said.

'Our Australian-based European designers have taken every detail into account, from the bow to the stern to ensure that this vessel in a luxurious, high-performance boat akin to a floating, six-star resort,' he added.

Impressive though she may be, the Riviera 6000 Sport Yacht is only the ‘headline act’ in what will be an imposing display by the company with a line-up of luxury craft valued at $17 million.

The array will include the 43 Open Flybridge, the 50 and 75 Enclosed Flybridges, the 445, 565 and the new 515, the 5000 Sport Yacht and a Belize 54 Daybridge.

Another vessel making a world first appearance will be the inaugural release from Elandra Yachts, a company formed only two years ago and headed by Mr Luke Durman.

Mr Durman describes Elandra Yachts as a 'semi-custom' builder which listens closely to customer demands.

Hull number one from the fledgling company is a 16.66-metre (54’8') vessel with a three-cabin, two bathroom floor plan which includes a full beam master suite amidships.

'We have designed and built this vessel to a high level of quality and we believe we have created a boat withy superior performance, reliability and extended durability,' Mr Durman declared.

'The Elandra 53 offers many aspects normally found only aboard vessels labelled Superyachts, including the full beam master suite with integral en-suite boasting twin vanity basins, private shower and private toilet along with full standing height in the engine room,' he added.

There is also a tender garage designed to accommodate a 2.8-metre jet tender, together with a launch and retrieve system and a hydraulic lift swim platform.

Power for this inaugural vessel is a pair of MAN R6-800 six cylinder engines with optional power offered in the form Scania, Volvo, Caterpillar and MTU powerplants.

Well-known and highly respected builder Maritimo, headed by industry legend Bill Barry-Cotter, will display six of their craft at Sydney, among them the all-new S58 Cruising Motoryacht, two M50 Cruising Motoryachts, the S50 Sedan Cruiser, the S43 Sedan Cruiser and a Mustang 32 Sports Cruiser.

Greg Haines, the company’s Sales and Marketing Manager, said Maritimo had been 'thrilled' by the response to its new S58 Cruising Motoryacht.

'We have stepped up our quality and standard of finishes and interior layouts and it is paying dividends for us,' he said.

'Our stunning interior designs and some of the exotic timbers we are using has given Maritimo a genuine 'wow factor' and it is impacting for us in the marketplace,' he added.

Mr Haines said the company was 'quietly confident' its recent run of sales successes would be continued at the Sydney International Boat Show.

Italian boat builder, Absolute Yachts, via its Australian distributor Sydney’s Premier Marine, will host the Australian debut of two of the company’s most popular models, the 45 Fly and the 56 Fly.

According to Premer Marine Brand Manager, Ms Lee Poulson, the style, practicality and luxury is infused into every model that leaves the Italian plant.

'Absolute Yachts produces award-wining craft and are renowned for being a pioneer of the Volvo IPS (Inboard Propulsion System),' she said.

'We believe the sheer style and quality of these stunning vessels is evident as soon as one steps aboard,' she added.

Melbourne dealership, Sundance Marine, is another set to offer a first to Sydney International Boat Show visitors, this time in the Australian debut of the superb Monte Carlo MC5, a motor yacht with a unique concept endowed with innovative aspects throughout.

Monte Carlo Yachts is a component of the world famous Beneteau marque and Sundance Marine’s David Beck said this combined the benefits of French and Italian influences.

Recently named 2014 European Powerboat of the Year (over 45’ category) at the Düsseldorf International Boat Show, the Monte Carlo MC5 is the result of a complex development effort.

Monte Carlo Yachts offers its range in both flying bridge and hard top versions, with the vessel on display at Sydney being in the flying bridge style.

'The Monte Carlo range combines the finest of Italian design with the Beneteau Group’s experienced shipyards for which they are universally acknowledged,' Mr Beck added.

With such a splendid array of luxury afloat, many being shown for the first time ever, it confirms the status of the Sydney International Boat Show as one of the world’s finest recreational boating exhibitions.

A visit to the show represents a fabulous day out for the entire family and this year there’s even a harbour cruiser added to the mix.

Why not make a complete day of it? Arrive early at Darling Harbour, stroll the fantastic marina, enjoy lunch at one of the many restaurants around the Harbourside complex and later step aboard the ferry shuttle for a cruise down to Glebe Island.

The Sydney International Boat Show is a spectacular event.

You’d be mad to miss it!

For further information visit the show’s informative website or contact the BIA of NSW, Crows Nest, telephone (02) 9438-2077.