Boaters advised to give Darling Harbour entrance a wide berth as nearly 300 vessels begin moving in for the Sydney show.

Many manufacturers have endured lengthy voyages, with companies such as Maritimo and Riviera sending their boats on the 400 nautical mile trip down from the Gold Coast, while others journey in from the Northern and Central NSW coasts.

Sydney Harbour boaters are advised to steer clear of the Cockle Bay, Darling Harbour entrance over the next 72-hours as nearly 300 vessels, from runabouts to superyachts jockey for position as they move in for the 41st Sydney International Boat Show.

The show, sponsored by NSW Maritime, opens on Thursday (July 31) for six action-packed days, its 20th staging at the Darling Harbour venue.

Vessels began moving in to the specially-constructed Cockle Bay Marina last Saturday, and will continue until the exercise is complete.

Many manufacturers have endured lengthy voyages, with companies such as Maritimo and Riviera sending their boats on the 400 nautical mile trip down from the Gold Coast, while others journey in from the Northern and Central NSW coasts.

Motorists, too, would be well advised to avoid the ring roads circling the venue, with more than 2100 vehicle movements required as millions of dollars worth of boats, engines, marine electronics and general boating equipment is moved into the six halls of the Darling Harbour Exhibition Centre.

The show, recognised as the largest of its type in the Southern Hemisphere, has attracted more than 300 exhibitors, among them the cream of Australia's manufacturers, importers and distributors.

Confirming its ' international' status, the show will display boats, engines and equipment from the United States, United Kingdom, China, Italy, Germany, France, Taiwan, Canada, Belgium, the Philippines, New Zealand, Singapore and South Africa, among them.

Show organiser, the Boating Industry Association of NSW, is confident the exhibition will live up to its reputation as the marine industry's primary 'shop front.'

Domenic Genua, the association's marketing and event manager, said extensive feedback from visitors had shown that people sought entertainment and information from the exhibition.

"To that end, we have pulled out all stops to make the Sydney International Boat Show a font of nautical information and family entertainment," he said.

Many of the show's popular attractions return, including the Yamaha Fishing Clinic and the daily Musto fashion parades showcasing the latest marine-inspired sportswear.

A star attraction this year will be daily appearances by the daring young adventurers James Castrission and Justin Jones, who 'crossed the ditch', otherwise known as the Tasman Sea, by kayak. James and Justin, together with the kayak that carried them on their perilous voyage, will be seen daily on the Better Boating Workshop stage, which will also feature an interesting array of presenters covering a wide range of subjects.

The Strictly Sail stage and the Boat Building Competition (staged on the Saturday) are other prime attractions returning for 2008.

Boating enthusiasts will have their first chance in NSW to see the winners in the recent
Australian Marine Industries Federation Marine Awards, comprising the prestigious Boats of the Year.

The Powerboat of the Year, the Riviera 4400 Sport Yacht and the Sailboat of the Year, the superb Buizen 48, will both feature on the Cockle Bay Marina.

Other award winners being displayed at the show include the stunning Maritimo 550 battlewagon, the efficient Quintrex 670 Offshore, the Savage 540 Beachcomber, the imposing Horizon 65 Motor Yacht and the Evolution 550 Platinum.

Another vessel of interest making its first NSW appearance is the innovative Maritimo C60 Cabriolet, a radical departure for industry legend Bill Barry-Cotter, who has been recognised for his expertise in the design and production of flybridge vessels.

Maritimo's C60 Cabriolet will retail at $1 million or so less than an equivalent imported cruiser, enough to ensure it will be a 'talking point' among show visitors.

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

Admission charges remain unchanged at $18 (single adult), $42 (family ticket admitting two adults and up to three children aged 6-17 years), $16 (Seniors Card holders), $12 (pensioners) and $10 (children aged 6-17 years).

Children under 5-years admitted free.

This year for the first time tickets are available on-line - go to www.sydneyboatshow.com.auto obtain tickets and additional show information.

by Bob Wonders

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