Sydney International Boat Show ‘fully subscribed’

by Bob Wonders on 14 Jul 2009 The 2009 Sydney International Boat Show may be sightly smaller than in previous years, but as the show looms (July 30 –August 3) organiser the Boating Industry Association of NSW can report ‘a full house.’

Domenic Genua, the association’s marketing and event manager, said the decision was taken earlier to book only the five primary halls of the Darling Harbour Exhibition Centre, rather than the additional Hall 6 which has been employed in previous years.

'We took that decision in light of the financial downturn the industry has been suffering, and we’re confident that it has proven to be the correct decision,' he explained.

'All five halls are now packed to capacity and the waiting list we have at the moment is not lengthy enough to warrant a need for Hall 6.

'With the Cockle Bay Marina, we also looked closely at the likely bookings and ordered the infrastructure we anticipated would be required.

'That has also worked in our favour and we will have about 190 vessels on display, with all space available now taken up.

'Construction of the marina began yesterday (Monday, July 13) and latecomers will simply be turned away; we can’t in anyway add to the present infrastructure,' he added.

Genua said the association was particularly pleased with the response from on-line ticket sales.

'It has been much stronger than last year, showing a considerable increase on ticket sales across the board,' he said.

Genua said the association could report strong interest already generated for its range of attractions, with the Walk of Fame, showcasing many prime examples of Australia’s rich maritime history, sure to prove a highlight.

'And the Discover Boating tours, the Nautilus Marine Insurance Fishing Clinic, the daily fashion parades and the Better Boating Stage and Strictly Sail are all destined to prove crowd favourites,' he added.

One new attraction being introduced this year is a photographic competition involving two of Australia’s most celebrated photographers, Andrea Francolini and Christophe Launay.

Show visitors will be able to enter their favourite boating-style photograph with prizes for winning entries and the chance of being published in Digital Photography and Design magazine.

More than 200 entries had been received this week.

Another exhibit certain to attract interest is that of the lugger ‘Spirit of Mystery’ and her builder/skipper Pete Goss.

Goss built the 11.27-metre (37’) vessel to re-create a voyage from the United Kingdom that took place 154-years ago.

According to Domenic Genua, there seems to be less new product being released at the 2009 exhibition.

'We have been fairly strict towards exhibitions labelling some as ‘new’ if it has already been seen at a show, like Sanctuary Cove, for example, ' he explained.

'If it has already been unveiled, so to speak, we don’t want to give false assurances to show visitors that they’re seeing something ‘brand new.’

'Of course, we very fortunate indeed that some exciting new boats are being released, especially the world release of the Maritimo 73 and a couple of new designs from Riviera.

'I just know that show visitors will be treated to a smorgasbord of nautical interest at every turn,' he declared.

BIA of NSW general manager, Roy Privett, admitted the industry was facing ‘tough times.’

'Let’s face it, we were faced with two options, sit back and hope for the best or fight for our market share,' he said.

'We felt our only option was to fight and fight hard for our share and we believe the initiatives we have put on place will help to stimulate interest in recreational boating at all levels.'

The show will open daily at 10am with the halls remaining open until 8pm.

Operations on the Cockle Bay Marina will cease at 6pm.

For further information or to book on-line visit the show’s informative website, www.sydneyboatshow.com.au