Sydney International Boat Show on threshold of a new era

When the 2013 Sydney International Boat Show throws open its doors at Darling Harbour for its annual extravaganza of recreational boating (August 1-5), show visitors will be treated to the usual spectacular displays within the halls of the Darling Harbour Exhibition Centre and on the calm waters of Cockle Bay.



However, after 25-years at the venue, a quarter century in which the Sydney exhibition has cemented itself as one of the world’s best, dramatic change is in the air. Demolition teams will move onto the site in December to begin work on a major re-design and re-building of the popular venue.



The NSW Government has announced that Darling Harbour will be redeveloped during 2014, 2015 & 2016 to include a revitalised and modernised exhibition centre, ensuring that Sydney and the exhibition facilities in Darling Harbour remain up there with the best in the world.



Don’t think the boating industry is abandoning Darling Harbour! Far from it – the always spectacular floating marina where the larger vessels are displayed at the show remains exactly ‘as is’.



The interim Sydney Exhibition Centre at Glebe Island will become the Boat Show home for the undercover exhibits whilst the Darling Harbour facility is redeveloped. The purpose built interim facilities at Glebe Island will provide the show with a great venue to continue showcasing the Show’s undercover displays.



Access between Glebe Island and Cockle Bay will be easy with complimentary transport provided between the two locations by both road and water. It will be lots of fun. Visitors will enjoy a new boating festival atmosphere and we assure you the entire family will enjoy the experience.



The Boat Show will return fully to Darling Harbour and the fantastic new facility in 2017, coinciding with our planned celebrations for the Show’s 50th event.



Meanwhile, all is on track for the show organiser and owner, the Boating Industry Association of NSW (BIA) to this year again deliver first-rate products to the people of Sydney and the world.



What will show visitors see at the 2013 Sydney International Boat Show?



In many ways, they will see what they repeatedly asked for. The BIA to its credit conducts comprehensive surveys to gain visitor feedback and its acts on this every year.



According to Domenic Genua, the association’s Marketing and Event Manager, show visitors have consistently stated their major reasons for attending comprise education and entertainment.



“A major attraction we believe will centre on the MyBoatingLife Entertainment Precinct which will feature an impressive array of guest speakers, among them many of Australia’s best-known angling authorities and others with amazing stories to tell of their involvement with sailing and boating experiences from around the world,” Genua said.



“We will also be hosting the Marine Precinct in conjunction with our Partners in Safety, Transport for NSW. It will be comprehensive hub issuing detailed information on how families can better enjoy their boating lifestyle.



With fashion parades, the display of historic vessels in the Walk of Fame, the popular Boat Building Competition, the Sydney International Boat Show offers a smorgasbord of interesting options for all in the family.



The show will open daily from 10am to 8pm within the halls and from 10am to 6pm on the Cockle Bay Marina.



For detailed information, ticketing prices and to book tickets on-line, visit

www.sydneyboatshow.com.au



Keep tabs on the show, its activities and plan your visit accordingly via the website, www.sydneyboatshow.com.au, or through Twitter @SydneyBoatShow or Facebook at www.facebook.com/SydneyBoatShow