Sydney Boat Show Floats Sydney's Boat

Australia’s Biggest and Best Boat Show Attracts 3 Millionth Visitor

Jul 28, 2009

From classic speedboats and world famous sailing boats, to a history-making kayak, the Sydney International Boat Show is a hit with boating enthusiasts and newcomers.

Held at the Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre and Cockle Bay Marina in Darling Harbour, the 2009 Sydney International Boat Show will be held from Thursday the 30th of July to Monday the 3rd of August.

The boat show is the largest in the southern hemisphere, and features more than 250 exhibits spread over more than 25,000 square metres. The exhibits and demonstrations cover a wide range of topics from water skiing to knot tying, but it is the boats themselves that attract the most attention.

Historic and Classic Power Boats and Sailing Boats

Around 190 boats line the marina, with another 700 or so to be found inside the exhibition halls. Historic and classic power boats can be found side by side, while sailing enthusiasts will be thrilled to come face to face with some of the most magnificent boats to grace the waterways, including the 1924 18’ skiff, Yendys, and the revolutionary 1959 skiff, Taipan.

At the other end of the scale, the legendary kayak “Lot 41” will be on display for the last time at the boat show. Visitors will also be able to hear Justin Jones and James Castrission speak about travelling from Australia to New Zealand in the custom built kayak. The two men became the first to cross the Tasman Sea in 2008, setting the world record for "the longest trans-oceanic expedition in a double kayak by two expeditioners.”

Fishing Experts Share Top Tips in Fishing Clinic

‘The father of sport fishing’, Dick Lewers joins game fishing record holder Tim Simpson and Brett Thompson with his performing fish at the Nautilus Marine Boat Insurance fishing clinic. Recreational fishermen will have the chance to not only attend the clinic but also meet with their heroes personally afterwards.

If fishing doesn’t float your boat, there are also fashion parades and the annual boat building competition to amuse and entertain. With competitors being given just two hours to build a boat and then sail around Cockle Bay, this is a competition that for some ends with a sink or swim scenario.

Sydney Boat Show Tickets and Opening Hours

Around 28,000 people are employed by the recreational marine industry in Australia, which is worth more than seven billion dollars. More than 80,000 locals and tourists turn out each year for the show, which has been held since 1968. This year the three millionth visitor is expected to walk through the doors.

The Sydney International Boat Show runs from 10am to 8pm in the Exhibition Halls and 10am to 6pm on the Cockle Bay Marina.

Tickets are discounted when purchased in advance online. Tickets cost $18 for adults ($15 online), $10 for children ($8 online), $42 for family ($35 online), $12 for aged pensioners, $16 for seniors and $39 for a VIP three day guest pass.

The 2010 Sydney International Boat Show will be held from the 29th July to the 3rd August.

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