Sydney International Boat Show begins!
by Jeni Bone on 31 Jul 2014
Deputy Premier, the Hon Andrew Stoner, with ET and Jessica Watson, officially opening the 2014 SIBS. BIA NSW
The perfect Sydney day greeted visitors to the first day of this year's Sydney International Boat Show - chilly morning, clear blue sky, warming up to a 25C top and some gusty breezes over the marina.
The Deputy Premier, Andrew Stoner declared the show officially open at the temporary venue at Glebe Island, alongside fishing guru and footy great, Andrew Ettingshausen and sailor, Jessica Watson.
Cockle Bay seems somewhat sparsely lined with yachts, but that is for good reason - as the regular ferry service transports patrons to and from the Glebe Island venue, about 30 minutes away.
On the marina, exhibitor numbers may be down, but the new yachts, power and sail are great quality, some of them world releases and most of them busy with the Holy Grail of boat shows: the 'quality buyer'.
Exhibitors are reporting a steady flow of this prized species of boat show goer, most of them having done plenty of research about boat features and competitor offerings.
Surrounding the marina, the Exhibition and Convention Centre site is a hive of activity - barricaded off, ferociously noisy at times, and with cranes keeping up the pace. The Ticket booth has seen a stream of people on opening day, but no major lines at this stage.
We will have news from Glebe Island tomorrow and up to the minute information on the launches and new products on show between now and Monday.
More at www.sydneyboatshow.com.au
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