Into boats? Then set your course for Darling Harbour

8:53 PM Wed 29 Jul 2009 GMT

It's that time of the year again when Australia's boating industry shows its mettle and unveils all at the 2009 Sydney International Boat Show, starting today (July 30-August 3).

For show visitors, and there could be anywhere from 70-80,000 of them, the show will reveal a smorgasbord of nautical delights, from boats to engines, marine electronics to fishing tackle, scuba gear to the latest water ski equipment, you name it, it'll be there at Darling Harbour.

In fact, this year's show boasts so many attractions it's hard to know where to begin.

This year is the 21st occasion the show has been staged at Darling Harbour, following three years on wharves 12 and 13 at Pyrmont and of course several years at the Sydney Showgrounds.

Sail-World.com -AUS &copy Click Here to view large photo

Darling Harbour, needless to say, has proven itself a brilliant venue and with the extensive re-modelling now taking place it should be even better in the future.

Roy Privett (general manager) and Domenic Genua (marketing and event manager) of show organiser the Boating Industry Association of NSW, have done themselves and the boating industry proud with what looks like a grand exhibition.

The 'house full' sign is up, with the five primary halls of the Darling Harbour Exhibition Centre overflowing with millions of dollars worth of boats and associated marine equipment.

On the adjoining Cockle Bay Marina, about 190 superlative craft will be on display, some bearing retail prices guaranteed to make your eyes water.

The marina will be home for five days to some of the the finest sailboat builders from Australia, Europe and the USA.

As for the show's myriad of attractions, as I said, it's difficult to know where to begin.

Andrea Francolini &copy Click Here to view large photo

I just know all you people who like me just love boats will make a beeline for the Walk of Fame and a chance to see some prime examples of Australia's rich maritime history.

Thanks to the people behind the Sydney Heritage Fleet and the Classic Speedboat Association the 2009 show will feature some stunning craftsmanship from days gone by.

The fabulous display will include the 'Lady Hopetoun' (built in 1902), 'Boomerang' (1903), 'Waratah' (1902) and, a very special guest (even if it is a sailboat) the enthralling 'Spirit of Mystery'.

There's quite a story behind 'Spirit of Mystery', a lugger-style craft, 11.27-metres (37') in length and its re-creation of a voyage from the UK to Australia undertaken 154-years ago.

'Spirit of Mystery' was built by her skipper, Pete Goss; don't miss the opportunity to hear him and meet with him (and a score of other interesting guests) in the Better Boating Lounge.

Making a welcome return visit to the show will be Justin Jones and James Castrission, the two daring young adventurers who thrilled the world when they beat the often treacherous Tasman Sea in their voyage from NSW to New Zealand aboard a seemingly flimsy kayak.

For those who like a laugh with their show visit I can heartily recommend a visit on the Saturday morning to Cockle Bay and the Boat Building Competition.

In mentioning 'laugh', I mean no disrespect to the teams of young boat builders who have a limited time and limited tools and materials to hurriedly construct a vessel and then engage in a race around the bay.

However, you can count on some of these 'vessels' wallowing, swamping and finally finding a spot on the Cockle Bay seabed.

Andrea Francolini &copy Click Here to view large photo

I can imagine one new attraction this year attracting hordes; Discover Recreational Boating it is called and it involves a tour of Sydney Harbour's interesting spots aboard a 'Matilda Rocket'.

What's more it's free to all boat show ticket holders.

For straight out interest for all it's hard to go past the Fashion Parades, presented every day of the show and featuring up-to-the-minute fashions for guys and girls, kids and grown-ups.

Another brand new attraction for the '09 show is a photographic competition involving two of Australia's most celebrated photographers in Andrea Francolini and Christophe Launay.

An eye-catching selection of their superb work will be on display and show visitors are encouraged to enter their own favourite boating snaps with prizes on offer as well as a chance to be published in the prestigious magazine Digital Photography and Design.

More than 200 entries from intending show visitors have already been received.

That's just a small illustration of what to expect at the 2009 Sydney International Boat Show.

Ask yourself...can you afford not to be there?

The 2009 Sydney International Boat Show will open at 10am daily starting today; it will remain open until 8pm in the five cavernous halls of the Darling Harbour Exhibition Centre and until 6pm on the Cockle Bay Marina.

Save a dollar or three by booking on line, a feature proving even more popular this year.

Don't forget, plenty of parking available, numerous public transport options and plenty of places to take care of the inner man and woman in the many restaurants scattered through the Harbourside venue.

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

See you at Darling Harbour.

by Bob Wonders