A talking point? Try weather

'SIBS takes over Cockle Bay with all manner of craft.' Jeni Bone

Weather, of course, becomes a prime talking point for those exhibiting at the Sydney International Boat Show. What can we expect this year?

Will it be fine and clear, will cold conditions have an effect on the gate, and will those working outdoors on the Cockle Bay Marina be lashed with heavy rain?

Famed author, the revered Mark Twain was alleged to have once stated, "Everyone talks about the weather, but no one does anything about it!"

Well said, Mr Twain, but what exactly is one supposed to do about it? Grin and bear it, I guess.

Needless to say, over the years (this is the 20th show at the Darling Harbour venue) the show has experienced it all, from bitter cold, sweeping rain through to almost spring-like conditions. I have even left a Sydney show with sunburn!

This year is not looking too promising yet; those aboard vessels heading down the coast from as far afield as Southport are going to face offshore conditions they will not like. Gale warnings have been issued, not only offshore, but for enclosed waters including Sydney Harbour.

It won't be the first time boats heading south from the Gold Coast region have been battered. I don't recall the year, but when Bill Barry-Cotter was still at the helm of Riviera, there was an occasion when a skipper telephoned him with news of huge seas facing a crew headed down the coast for Darling Harbour. The boat was scheduled to make its Australian debut.

"What should I do", the skipper inquired of Bill. "Drive through it," was the stern reply.

Although weather is and has always been a popular talking point among people, when I was a cadet journalist I was taught that unless working on a daily publication be very careful of trying to make a story out of weather conditions.

Why? Simply because people have very short memories when it comes to the daily weather. For example, can you tell me what the day was like, say, last Tuesday week? Didn't think so.

As I pointed out earlier, the Sydney International Boat Show has experienced it all. Way back, about '87 or '88, when the show was staged on wharves 12 and 13 (I think) at Pyrmont, we were pelted with rain so severe that exhibitors INSIDE sought shelter beneath beach umbrellas!

There were places, again inside, where the water was ankle deep. And some refer to them as 'the good old days.'

Funnily enough, Darling Harbour, too, copped it with heavy rain a couple of years back, and while many of us felt sorry for those on the marina, they, the dealers, actually sold boats.

Sydney Boat Show -Darling Harbour Sydney - Andrea Francolini&copy Photo Click Here to view large photo

Their summation of the situation was that those who braved the rain were genuine buyers, while the rain kept 'tyre kickers' out of harm's way. As for me, well, I stand before you unchallenged as the world's foremost cold weather coward.

When I get into Parliament (that'll be the day!) the first piece of legislation I will put through will be a complete ban on winter! I will have it declared illegal.

Meanwhile, I am packing for my annual trip south to my beautiful (in summer!) hometown, Sydney, for the 41st Sydney International Boat Show.

Out of the wardrobe comes that item of clothing (a US Navy Pea Coat) that, now I reside on the Gold Coast, gets a run only when I venture south.

Nevertheless, no matter what old Ma Nature throws our way, I'll enjoy catching up with friends and colleagues and experiencing, I think, about my 30th Sydney International.

See you there!