Sydney International Boat Show set to boost industry

by Bob Wonders on 28 Jul 2009 It’s all systems go at Darling Harbour when the 21st (at Darling Harbour) Sydney International Boat Show throws open the doors at 10am Thursday, July 30.

Understandably, the global financial crisis has had an effect on Australia’s recreational boating industry, but at present positive talk is outweighing negative comments.

All five halls of the Darling Harbour Exhibition Centre are packed to the proverbial rafters with millions of dollars worth of boats, engines, electronics, fishing tackle and all manner of associated equipment, while the adjoining Cockle Bay Marina will again be a show highlight.

Nearly 200 vessels, including the finest craft from Australia’s leading manufacturers such as Maritimo, Riviera, Mustang, Caribbean and Steber will go head to head against the best of the imports.

Organisers, the Boating Industry Association of NSW have pulled out all stops to give show visitors an entertainment spectacle to rival any boat show in the world.

From fashion parades to fishing clinics, boat building competitions to displays of historic vessels and a strong line-up of guest presenters make Darling Harbour the place to be for all who love boats and the great outdoors.

For its five days (July 30 – August 3 Darling Harbour could well lay claim to being the headquarters of Australia’s recreational boating industry.

Domenic Genua, marketing and event manager for the Boating Industry Association of NSW and a key man in the show’s organisation and presentation, said association members had thrown their full support behind the event.

'We have taken a positive outlook when preparing the exhibition and we’re confident the people of Sydney will turn out in their numbers,' he said.

'There may well be a global financial crisis, but we are hearing more positive comment these days and many industry leaders are convinced the worst days are behind us', he added.

The 2009 show will welcome the largest contingent of Maritimo cruisers ever displayed in that company’s history, while Riviera, despite its receivership, is also staging one of its most impressive exhibits, again the largest exhibitor at the Show.

Maritimo, in fact, will be hosting the world release of its fabulous Maritimo 73, largest vessel ever designed and built by the legendary Bill Barry-Cotter, while the Riviera display will be highlighted with the appearance of its 5800 Sport Yacht.

'Really, we’re excited about what we have to offer show visitors this year and the association is confident that the 2009 Sydney International Boat Show will provide a positive lift to the industry as a whole,' Genua added.

The Sydney International Boat Show will open each day 1t 10am; the halls within the Darling Harbour Exhibition Centre will remain open each day until 8pm, but operations on the Cockle Bay Marina will cease at 6pm.

For further information or to book tickets on-line (and save a few dollars!) visit the show’s website,

www.sydneyboatshow.com.au