Industry's strong support for Rosehill Trailerboat Show

by Bob Wonders on 4 Mar 2010 After what seems like only a few days ago (actually 17-days) flying Brisbane – Los Angeles – Miami – Los Angeles – Brisbane another visit to an airport was not on my list of things I must do.

Nevertheless, on Sunday I am back on the big silver bird bound for Sydney and the annual trailerboat show at Rosehill Gardens, just to the west of the harbour city and home to one of the world's richest horse races, the Golden Slipper.

More than 50 top shelf marine dealers have thrown their support behind the show, which over the years has increased its popularity ion the proverbial leaps and bounds.

Owned and managed by the Boating Industry Association of New South Wales, the show was once known as The Great Silverwater Boat Show and was staged on the banks of the nearby Parramatta River, only a few kilometres from its new site.

'Silverwater was a good venue, but it was completely open air and we were at the mercy of the weather,' Domenic Genua, the association's marketing and event manager, explained.

'Several times were virtually ‘rained out' at Silverwater and being on grassy parklands moving relatively large trailerboats into and out of the site proved rather difficult.

'Fortunately for all concerned, the move into the modern Rosehill Gardens Event Centre has proven a winner,' he added.

The show attracted more than 10,000 visitors last year, and with free admission and ample free parking it has emerged as a major attraction for boating enthusiasts.

Another advantage the venue enjoys is its location on a series of major ring roads circling the city, making the site accessible to Sydney residents from all points of the compass.

Research undertaken by the association has also revealed the show attracts people from outside the metropolitan area, with many visitors making the trip from the Central Coast and the Blue Mountains.

'Our members give us excellent support,' Genua added, ‘and boating enthusiasts visiting the show will find boats on display to suit every application, from general family boating to water ski and water sports boats to specialists fishing boats.

'It's worth pointing out to potential visitors that many exhibitors use the show to clear excess stock in readiness for next summer, so they're there to do deals, it's a bargain hunter's paradise,' he declared.

From previous visits to the show I gather it attracts many keen anglers, for if anyone is there to 'do deals' it is definitely the fishing tackle exhibitors.

Contented visitors departing the show with rods, reels, lures and all manner of fishing equipment in their grasp is a common sight at Rosehill.

The show is on all weekend, from 9am to 5pm both days.

Many of the best-known names in recreational boating will be on display, among them Quintrex, Haines Signature, Horizon, Stacer, Seafarer, Haines Hunter, Cruise Craft, Savage, Sea Al, Whittley and Webster Twinfisher.

Many of the prestigious imports, primarily from the United States, will also be there, including Sea Ray, Cobalt, Boston Whaler, Four Winns, Bayliner and Glastron.

One other display well worthy of mention is the massive Supertank with Brett Thompson's ‘performing fish'; it's the place for all anglers, beginners to the skilled, to pick up handy tips on successful angling techniques.

NSW Maritime will also be therein strength, with the opportunity to re-new license and registration or obtain the right information on all matters related to recreational boating.

For those who already own a boat, do not despair – exhibitors will be displaying a wide range of marine engines, electronics, boat trailers, personal water craft, even canoes and kayaks.

'Come along, it's a delightful and interesting way to spend a lazy day or two,' Domenic Genua added.

'There are dining options available, from restaurants and bars inside to grassy, tree shaded lawns for picnic lunches for the entire family.

'Informality is the order of the weekend, come along, relax and enjoy a weekend of all things boating,' he said.

For further information contact the Boating Industry Association of NSW, telephone (02) 9438-2077 or visit the website, www.bia.org.au