Sydney International Boat Show opens in nine days

by Domenic Genua on 19 Jul 2011 Australia’s largest boat show will open its doors on the 28th July at the Sydney Exhibition Centre in Darling Harbour, Sydney.

The show, now in its 44th year will feature a vast array of boats and all the gear for them. The show will also feature a fabulous line up of entertainment and activities for all the family to enjoy.

Displays not to be missed include the Nautilus Marine Insurance Fishing Clinic, the Better Boating Lounge, daily Musto fashion shows, the fabulous Walk of Fame, the Discover Boating Tours, a display of historic vessels, an exhibition of marine photography and Club Marine cooking demonstrations.

More than 280 exhibitors, among them the cream of the industry’s manufacturers, retailers, importers and distributors will display their goods and services to upwards of 75,000 visitors.

Organiser, Domenic Genua, says exhibitor numbers are on par with 2010. 'We have the same number as last year. What is very notable though, is the desire by the industry to launch a lot of new products - things that have never been released before. There's a lot of new technology to go with boating. Companies and brands are going out of their way to attract visitors to the show.'

The biggest of them all nationally, this show has proven its credentials as a 'selling show', states Genua.

'Our research shows 40% of visitors - and that was 73,000 last year - arrive with purchase intention. That's a big target audience and a nice cross section of people, from committed boaties to sometime boaties to people who have no boating experience at all - which is why we provide something for everybody.'

All six halls of the massive Darling Harbour Exhibition Centre will be packed with many millions of dollars worth of marine related products, from boats to boat trailers, fishing tackle to marine electronics, all manner of marine engines and general boating accessories of all shapes, sizes and applications.

On the placid waters of adjoining Cockle Bay, the largest marina built specifically for a boat show, will be home to the ‘dream boats’, blue water cruisers, power and sail, many carrying prices that equal a Sydney waterfront!

The show is proudly supported by NSW Maritime.

For further information visit the show’s website, www.sydneyboatshow.com.au or call the boat
information line on 1300 7BOATS (26287), but read on for some ideas you should incorporate into your visit:

The Sydney International Boat Show is certainly the place to be if you want to buy or drool over new yachts, see all the latest technology at work, or solve that knotty problem on your own boat. But it's also the place to find all the latest sailing books (maybe have your purchase signed by the author), take a free 'on-the-hour' tour of Sydney Harbour with your entrance ticket, or relax and listen to the sailing stars at the Better Boating Lounge.

Boat Books will be exhibiting a range of marine books covering all things nautical from kayaks to superyachts, Australian Hydro charts at boat show prices!, navigational equipment and some special prices on nautical gifts.

They have a new line of waterproof carryalls including waterproof smart phone pouches, camera cases and laptop waterproof and padded bags all at very affordable prices.

With the growing use of laptops on vessels their PC based charting packages are now regularly used as a back up navigation system to charts and chart plotters, and they will be demonstrating Quick Charts and Endeavour on the stand.

Among authors there to sign books will be:

Ian Thomson, who currently holds the record as the fastest solo circumnavigator of Australia, with his motivational book 'Dare to Dream'

Nancy Knudsen with her book 'Shooting Stars and Flying Fish', the story of what happens when you cancel life as you know it to step into the void and take on a cruising lifestyle. Nancy will be appearing with her husband and skipper Ted Nobbs to describe just how difficult it is to live in a 46ft boat for five years.

Linda Flylink Anderson with her book 'Sailing in my Sarong' the story of Linda and her husband’s two year circumnavigation in a home built boat, and

Sean Smith with his book 'The Fat Paddler' with his extraordinary tale of his recovery from physical and mental trauma.

If appearing on the Better Boating Lounge stage, authors will come to the Boat Books stand immediately afterwards to sign books.

...and speaking of the Better Boating Lounge, here are some of the attractions where you can grab a coffee, find a seat, relax and be entertained:

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12.00noon every day: NSW Maritime, 'Boating Safety':

If you are sailing within New South Wales, this is a very informative session about the ins and outs of how NSW Maritime seeks to keep our coastal and inland waters safe.

It applies to powerboats as well as sailing boats, so hear what they have to say and ask your toughest questions.

2.00pm every day: Nancy Knudsen, 'Preparing a cruising yacht for a longer journey':
Nancy Knudsen, cruising editor of Sail-World, and her husband Ted Nobbs left their familiar world of competitive sailing behind when they embarked on a cruising circumnavigation.

While divulging some of the humour and cockpit disputes of their extended journey in Nancy's just published book Shooting Stars and Flying Fish, they also will give out their most important tips in getting ready for a longer cruising voyage.

2.30pm every day: Musto Fashion Extravaganza, 'Have you danced with Musto?':

See the latest in what the well-dressed yachtie is wearing, and prepare to be dazzled with dancing, music and lights as you see the latest in recreational boating, social and competitive sailing apparel and accessories.

This year visitors will see a special performance project managed by the students of ICMS.

3.30pm every day: Ian Thomson, 'Save our Seas':

In 2010, Ian Thomson, set a new world record for the fastest solo circumnavigation of Australia when he took, amazingly, more than 26 days off the standing record.

You can hear from Ian personally what it's like to circumnavigate Australia solo, the challenges, the difficulties, the high points and the low, and ask questions.

Ian was also the founder of Save Our Seas in 2010 to raise awareness of the damage to our environment through the use of plastics and plastic bags.

[Sorry, this content could not be displayed] 4.00pm Friday to Sunday: Linda Frylink, 'Built in the backyard, sailed around the world':

Linda will talk about her voyage of 30,000 nautical miles that began with a single step, and with building their boat from scratch in their back-yard.

A single dream of two people - a 30-year dream to sail around the world. Linda has also just released her first book titled ‘Sailing In My Sarong’ which is an honest account of their two-year circumnavigation visiting 30 countries.

[Sorry, this content could not be displayed]6.30pm Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Monday: Donna Morris, 'Working on Superyachts around the world': This will be an excellent session for those who wonder whether they should take the plunge and go sailing professionally in the world of the superyacht.

Now why not print out this article to plan your visit to the show.