Sydney Boat Show Drops Anchor At Darling Harbour
Illawarra Mercury
Tuesday July 21, 1998
Australasia's largest recreational boating exhibition sails into Darling Harbour on Thursday.
The Sydney International Boat Show will tie up in the harbour until July 28.
The show will be an extravaganza this year with millions of dollars worth of boats, engines, electronics and accesssories on display.
Cockle Bay Marina will be a show drawcard, hosting a multi-million dollar display of boats.
Riviera Marine alone will exhibit more than $5 million in luxury cruisers and sportcraft.
Major interest will centre on the first NSW appearance of boats named as winners of the prestigious Australian boat of the year awards.
Boats were judged in five categories: Australian boat of the year, fishing boat of the year, sailboat, aluminium boat, and cruiser of the year.
Haines Hunter, one of Australia's best known boating names, took out the coveted double with not only the fishing boat of the year award with its 585SF Seeker, but the Australian boat of the year award as well.
A highlight of this year's show will be a Charity Quest to benefit Sailability Australia.
Funds raised will help paraplegics, quadriplegics, amputees and others to be coached to compete in the 2000 Paralympic Games in Sydney.
Electric boats, (you don't even have to use a plug) ranging from 4.87m (16ft) to 6.4m (21ft) and suitable for enclosed waters, also will be on display.
Other major attractions include the popular Johnson Outboard Fishing Clinic, Strictly Sail Expo, and Formula 1 Grand Prix powerboats.
The show will be from 11am to 9pm on Thursday, Friday, Monday and Tuesday; 10am to 9pm on Saturday and 10am to 6pm on Sunday.
The Cockle Bay Marina will operate from 10am to 8pm daily, except on Sunday when it closes at 6pm.
Tickets range from $25 for a family ticket for two adults and up to three children, adults $12, seniors $8, pensioners and children $6, while kids under five are admitted free.
© 1998 Illawarra Mercury