Planning well advanced for SIBS – Sydney International Boat Show 2011

SIBS, in case you don’t recognise the initials, stands for Sydney International Boat Show and although it may seem to be some distance into the future, planning for the exhibition is well advanced.

The 2011 show is scheduled for five excitement-packed days, July 28 – August 1 and that’s just 99 days away.

Check out more exhibitor information and news releases on the Yacht and Boat – Sydney Boat Show 2011 section.

As usual, Australia’s largest recreational boating extravaganza will make its home at its now traditional venue, Darling Harbour, which has played host to the show for the past 22-years.

The cavernous halls of the Darling Harbour Exhibition Centre will be packed with millions of dollars worth of boats, engines, marine electronics, fishing tackle, scuba and water ski equipment and every type of boating accessory imaginable.

Virtually alongside the centre, the Cockle Bay Marina will again be a show highlight with everything from sleek sport boats to world-circling megayachts on display on the largest floating marina to feature at an Australian boat show.

The Sydney International Boat Show is owned and organised by the Boating Industry Association (BIA) of NSW and has cemented itself as the nation’s leading recreational boating exhibition, generally resulting in a multi-million dollar boost to the marine industry.

In excess of 350 exhibitors will be on hand to display their products and their services to an estimated 80,000-plus show visitors.

The BIA will follow its tried and true show format of offering those show visitors entertainment and education; boating enthusiasts can check out all the new products at one single venue while those yet to become boating enthusiasts can learn about the boating lifestyle and its appeal. Such is the level of entertainment and ‘shows within the show’ that have been organised by the BIA it is virtually impossible to see all the exhibition has to offer in a single day.So far, the following attractions have been confirmed;

– The Nautilus Marine Insurance Fishing Clinic – The Better Boating Lounge – Musto Fashion Extravaganza – The Walk of Fame (on the Cockle Bay Marina) – Discover Boating Tours of Sydney Harbour

– Historic Boats Display – The Photography Exhibit and Competition – Club Marine Cooking Demonstrations

Knowing the BIA and its switched on marketing and event manager, Domenic Genua, do not be surprised if there’s not more to come.

“Entertainment and education factors introduced to the show have come essentially as a result of visitor feedback which we monitor very closely,” Mr Genua explained.

“However, the real ‘heroes’ of the show are the boats, big boats, small boats, sailboats, power boats, all manner of boats, for the Sydney International Boat Show’s very essence of meaning is that it is the best place to see boats and to buy boats.

“Name a factor of recreational boating, be it cruising, water skiing, scuba diving, sport fishing, sailing, kayaking or canoeing, the Sydney International Boat Show will have it covered,” he added.

Mr Genua believes that in its Darling Harbour venue the Sydney International Boat Show has a location that is the envy of every other show in Australia.

“We are smack bang in the centre of the business hub of Australia’s largest city, an easy downhill stroll from the Central Business District and set amongst some of the city’s most popular attractions, including Star City Casino, IMAX, the Sydney Aquarium, The Sydney Wildlife Park and surrounded by restaurants that cater for every taste,” he declared.

The 2011 Sydney International Boat Show will open at 10am on Thursday, July 28; hours are 10am to 8pm daily (within the exhibition halls) and 10am to 6pm on the Cockle Bay Marina.