SIBS – nearly there

by Bob Wonders on 27 Jul 2010 Boats, marine engines, electronics, fishing tackle, nautical clothing, general boating accessories, it will all be there for the outdoors enthusiasts over the five action-packed days that comprise the Sydney International Boat Show.

SIBS, unless you've been hiding beneath a rock you'll know by now that SIBS means the 43rd Sydney International Boat Show and it is on schedule for its spectacular opening on Thursday (July 29).

Owned and organised by the peak industry body in New South Wales, the Boating Industry Association (BIA), SIBS is the largest recreational boating exhibition south of the equator.

On Tuesday last (July 27) I spoke with Domenic Genua, marketing and event manager for the BIA and a key man in the boat show operations, and he was delighted with the progress to date.

'We're past the quarter way mark in terms of the move-in and everything is going to plan so far,' he said.

'There's more than 100 boats so far settled into the Cockle Bay Marina and the internal displays within the six halls of the Darling Harbour Exhibition Centre are coming together nicely.

'Roy Privett (general manager of the BIA) and I are particularly excited at the number of new products we've seen that will be launched at the show.

'I feel that is a definite sign of an improving economy,' he added.

The show will be staged over five days, including the Bank Holiday weekend, July 29 to August 2.

Up to 300 exhibitors representing the most prominent names in recreational boating, will be displaying their goods and services.

Boats, marine engines, electronics, fishing tackle, nautical clothing, general boating accessories, it will all be there for the outdoors enthusiasts over the five action-packed days that comprise the Sydney International Boat Show.

Show hours remain unchanged at 10am to 8pm within the halls of the Darling Harbour Exhibition Centre and 10am to 6pm for the Cockle Bay Marina displays.

To the BIA's credit, much of the show's input and organised attractions stem from customer feedback.

The association relies heavily on seeking the view of show visitors, and this valuable feedback helps ensure the show offers exactly what those attending wish to see.

This year, attractions include the Better Boating Lounge, with its exciting array of guest presenters, among them world-circling sailor Jessica Watson, the displays of classic and historic vessels, daily fashion parades by Musto, the always humorous Boat Building Competition and the popular Photographic Competition.

Show visitors can also undertake a free tour of Sydney Harbour's interesting highlights with the Discover Sydney tours.

The Darling Harbour venue is a huge plus for the show – it is only a few minutes downhill stroll from the centre of Australia's largest city, is well served by all manner of public transport, including buses, light rail, mono rail, ferries and the city's vast metropolitan rail network.

For those travelling by car, the venue is surrounded by parking stations, all only a few minutes walk from the main entrance.

The Harbourside complex is also a plus, with numerous bars, restaurants and shopping opportunities, while accommodation facilities ranging up to 5-star status, abound in the area.

Tickets for the show may be purchased on-line at www.sydneyboatshow.com.au

'On-line sales have been excellent this year,' Domenic Genua pointed out.

'The way things are headed, right across the board, I think we're going to have a boat show to remember,' he added.

My recommendation for intending show visitors is simple – go early, enjoy breakfast in one of the many restaurants overlooking Cockle Bay and take your time as you inspect the best of the best the boating industry has to offer.

For further information visit the website www.sydneyboatshow.com.au