Sydney International Boat Show set to embrace new location
by BIA NSW on 27 Jun 2014
New era for Sydney Boat Show BIA NSW
The Sydney International Boat Show will this year add a new element that will be sure to please visitors. With Darling Harbour’s Exhibition and Convention Centre being redeveloped, the 2014 Sydney International Boat Show, set for July 31 to August 4, will present markedly different from the traditional exhibition enjoyed each year by many thousands of visitors.
The 2014 show will operate from two locations, with the always spectacular floating marina remaining at Cockle Bay and the many displays that were normally housed in the exhibition centre set for a purpose-built facility at Glebe Island.
As such, the opportunity for a short journey on the water will be included for all visitors. Free ferry shuttles will operate between the two locations.
More than 250 companies are expected to be on the two sites displaying the latest and greatest on offer from Australia’s boating industry.
Domenic Genua, Marketing and Event Manager for the show’s owner/organiser, the Boating Industry Association, said the show will deliver its usual extravaganza of entertainment and nautical education.
Visitors to the show will be able to visit the Marine Precinct, the shows education centre where questions about boating and boating safety can be answered.
On the MyBoatingLife.com.au Entertainment Precinct, the stage activity will be non-stop with some of Australia’s leading fishos, the occasional adventurer, inspiring stories, the Musto Fashion Extravaganza and Bart from Club Marine will cook up a storm.
But the hero of the show will remain the recreational boating lifestyle, with all the boats and all the gear needed, remaining the focus of the exhibits.
Prominent Rose Bay dealership, Premier Marine, is one of several staging displays at both locations.
Lee Poulson, the dealership’s Brand Manager, said the group would be displaying the popular US-built Regal runabouts at Glebe Island, together with the Australian launch of a superb range of Italian-made inflatables from Zar Fontini.
'We will also unveil another first for the Australian market at Darling Harbour with the award-winning Absolute Yachts, with two stunning flying bridge models from another Italian builder,' she said.
'The Cockle Bay marina will also show the latest models from the legendary Chris-Craft range and we’re particularly excited to have joining us the President of Chris-Craft Mr Steve Heese', she added.
Major marine electronics house Raymarine is another to feature displays at both locations.
Mr Ben Bowley, Managing Director of Raymarine Asia, said the Cockle Bay display would concentrate on the company’s large, on-water boat technology, including the all-new GlassBridge system, the gS195.
'Our focus at Glebe Island will centre on a new series range, only released recently, boasting easy-to-read 6' and 12' screens designed predominantly for the trailer boat market,' he added.
Sirocco Marine will show two of its larger craft, the BRIG 7.8-metre Eagle 780 and the 6.5-metre BRIG Eagle 650 at the Cockle Bay Marina.
'At Glebe Island we will stage a display showing the full range of BRIG inflatables, a selected range of Williams jet tenders and our unique amphibian, the Sealegs,' Mr Webster said.
BRIG stands as the largest-selling breed of RIB on the Australian market and BRIG stocks an astonishing range comprising 27 different models in a selection of colours.
'At Glebe Island we will be joined by the Directors of BRIG for the exhibition,' he added.
Pacific Boating, a major player in the 'time share' boating sector, will also be found at both show locations.
General Manager Mr David Trimble said Pacific Boating would be displaying three of its available vessels on the Cockle Bay Marina, 29’, 37’ and 44’ sports cruisers from the famous US builder Sea Ray.
'The 29’ is a new addition to our fleet and now brings the number of craft available to 13,' Mr Trimble said.
If confidence displayed by exhibitors is any guide, the 2014 Sydney International
Boat Show seems destined for success.
As usual, the event will feature an extensive line up of new releases across many of the recreational boating market sectors.
The largest and most sophisticated Sport Yacht in the Riviera fleet will make her world premiere. This latest model is a combination of Riviera’s 34 years’ experience and global owner feedback which has resulted in the birth of Australia’s ultimate entertainer, the new 6000 Sport Yacht.
Also on hand will be a rather stylish motor yacht, so stylish in fact that it has recently been named 2014 European Powerboat of the Year in its class at the massive Düsseldorf International Boat Show. This particular award winner is the MC5 from Monte Carlo Yachts, a very smart range of craft distributed in Australia by Melbourne dealership Sundance Marine.
At the top end of town, visitors can expect something special with new products from Sunseeker. Whilst the company were finalising their plans, it is understood that at least two new products are set to generate considerable interest.
Sailors are also in for a treat with a host of new products set to be seen for the first time. US Yachts have stepped up and plan to show the Elan 320, 394 as well as the Hunter 37 for the first time.
But the mentioned products are just the tip of the iceberg with Genua saying, 'New product releases are an important part of the show. The large volume of new boats and gear for them, across all market sectors from kayaks, to tinnies, fishing riggs, family cruisers, water-ski and sports boats to the larger sailing and power boats, will ensure the show will deliver something special for many visitors'
In relation to transport, he added, 'The two locations will be linked throughout by a combination of shuttle buses and ferry services.'
'I’m sure show visitors, and there could be anything up to 70,000, will see this as a case of two shows for the price of one with a free harbour journey thrown in,' he added.
The show remains as a fabulous day out for the family; all the attractions of Harbourside, Darling Harbour, remain as usual with numerous restaurants and bars and the opportunity for shopping 'up a storm'.
Show organisers recommend visitors travelling by car use Darling Harbour as the door to the show, with 7,000 parking spots within walking distance of the site.
'Parking is limited at Glebe Island so Darling Harbour is certainly the way to go,' he said.
'However, for those travelling to the show by public transport, nothing could be easier, with the vast rail network, bus services, light rail and ferries all providing easy access.'
'Free buses will run between Central Railway station and the Glebe Island venue, and free ferry shuttles will operate non-stop between Darling Harbour and Glebe Island'.
Those arriving by train and wishing to attend Darling Harbour first, should walk from Town Hall Station which is only 10 minutes away.
The show will trade daily from 10am to 8pm at Glebe Island and from 10am to 6pm at the Cockle Bay Marina.
The Sydney International Boat Show will be joined by their Partner in Safety, Roads and Maritime to ensure visitors are up to date on the latest information and gear that will help make their boating better.
For further information and the opportunity to purchase tickets on-line, visit the show’s website, www.sydneyboatshow.com.au
Transport to the Sydney International Boat Show
The Sydney International Boat Show will operate from two locations. Visitors to the show can arrive to either location, and enjoy the FREE ferry between the two locations. The trip by water is quick and gives visitors to the boat show an opportunity to also enjoy the harbour as part of their visit.
Visitors to the show have numerous transport options.
For those travelling by Train, a free bus service will operate between Central Railway Station and Glebe Island. Simply pop down to Eddy Avenue.
Those wishing to see the Marina display in Darling Harbour first, should take the train to Town Hall, where the walk to Darling Harbour will take around 10 minutes.
If travelling by car, your first port of call should be Darling Harbour. From there, visitors can either visit the marina or jump onto one of the free ferries to Glebe Island. Only limited Parking will be available at Glebe Island.
Detailed Travel and Parking plans will be available for download from www.sydneyboatshow.com.au
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