Melbourne Boat show breaks records

by Micahel Sabey on 4 Jul 2001 With record attendances and millions of dollars of boat and equipment sales, Melbourne's 41st Annual Boat Show has cemented its position as Australia's largest and most popular indoor marine event when it closed last night.

The Boating Industry Association's Marketing Manager Stephen Lord said, 'We are very pleased with the high level
of attendances and delighted to have exhibitors report of the best ever sales in the 41 year history of the Show. This
has in part been driven by the large number of new boats and products released at the Show.'

Over 60,000 people attended, and it is estimated, that over $70 million worth of boats, jet skis, water skiing, fishing
and marine accessories were sold.

The Show hosted visits from media stars including Dermott Brereton, Rex Hunt, Tony Lockett, Darren Bennett, Joel
Bowden, Blake Caracella and Jason Bargwarna.

Over 220 exhibitors booked out 32,500 m2 of space setting a new Australian indoor boat show record.

Show Highlights

Jackson Marine's sales exceed $1 million.
On the Pier 35 stand six luxury Mariner 'dream machines' (up to $430,000 each) were sold.
Boronia Marine Group which includes Stylecraft and Just Fishing & Boating, displayed a record 80 boats and
expects to sell 200 rigs.
JV Marine World sales of boats (aluminium and fibreglass), and fishing tackle were up 50% on last year's figures
and well exceeded their sales budgets.
Stormy Seas, makers of the renowned inflatable PFD vests had sales in excess of $20,000 in vests and Pains
Wessex EPIRBs.
Worldwide launch of the Pains Wessex Man Overboard Guardian Wristwatch Beacon which brings a new
dimension to water safety produced huge media interest.
The world's first 225 hp 4-stroke outboard engine launched by Yamaha attracted considerable interest.
Squadron Boats secured a $1.2 million sale for a Fairline 'Phantom 46'.
Vinnie Lauwers, World Disabled Athlete of the Year and the first handicapped person to sail solo Around the World,
was a pivotal personality at the Show, giving inspirational talks about his life experiences.
Dan Natchez, US marina expert, said at a Marine Week breakfast, 'For new marina developments to get off the
ground and succeed, a partnership must be created between the developer and government.'
Over 3,000 children got their first taste of sailing on the 25m x 8m Indoor Sailing pool. Within seconds of taking
control of the boat, they were able to confidently steer their Access Dinghy totally independently.
First ever mass safety display of marine pyrotechnics on Melbourne's historic Polly Woodside, drew attention to
safe practices on the water and new safety products released at the Show.
Gary Schipper, veteran Sydney-to-Hobart sailor, who was washed overboard in the 1988 Sydney-to-Hobart race
was a high profile media spokesperson on safety.
The winner of the Whittley Mackay Yamaha JV Marine $55,000 Door Prize, Andrew Paraponiaris from Niddrie, was
on hand when his coupon was drawn. He is a keen fisherman and his girlfriend Sue Sneddon, put in 35 entries to win
the prize.

Links:
www.melbourneboatshow.com.au