Darling HarbourDarling Harbour

standing by to become recreational boating’s headquarters


Only a few days to go now and boating enthusiasts by the score will be setting a course for Darling Harbour and the 2011 Sydney International Boat Show (July 28 – August 1).
As usual, the largest pleasure boat exhibition in the Southern Hemisphere will present the latest and greatest from the industry with many millions of dollars worth of boats, engines, marine electronics, fishing tackle, nautical clothing, scuba gear and all manner of boating accessories.
The show is a complete sell out, with more than 300 exhibitors pulling out all stops to display their goods and services over the five action-packed days of the show.
All six halls of the Darling Harbour Exhibition Centre will see the professionally-staged displays, while the adjoining Cockle Bay Marina will be home to the larger vessels, both power and sail, many retailing in the million dollar-plus brackets.
The 2011 show marks the 23rd occasion the Boating Industry Association of NSW (BIA) industry has chosen Darling Harbour as its prime venue for Australia’s #1 show.
“It’s been an excellent venue for the industry and many visitors to the show, including those from the United States, across Europe and throughout New Zealand and South East Asia have expressed their admiration for the complex,” Domenic Genua, marketing and event manager for the BIA, explained.
The association is ever mindful about presenting a show with broad appeal and the 2011 edition certainly achieves that with a number of ‘shows within the show’.
As usual, a show highlight will be the Nautilus Marine Insurance Fishing Clinic, with experts in various forms of angling ready and waiting to pass on their advice to what is usually standing room-only audiences.
The popular Photographic Competition and Exhibit, now in its third year, the Walk of Fame, the Historic Boats display and the Musto Fashion Parades, staged daily, are among the show’s more popular attractions.
One sure-fire target for visitors will be the Better Boating Lounge, with an array of interesting guests to maintain interest; while the opportunity to Discover Boating’s tours of Sydney Harbour will prove irresistible to most show attendees.
To add some spice to the menu, Club Marine will be hosting delectable cooking demonstrations.
Many of the attractions staged in conjunction with the show have come about as a result of visitor feedback.
“We take visitor comments very seriously and much of the feedback we have gathered indicated to us that visitors sought education and entertainment and that’s what we have tried to present every year,” Mr Genua added.
“While we are extremely pleased with what we might term our added attractions, boats are the real reason, the ‘heroes’ if you will, of the Sydney International Boat Show.
“Small boats, big boats, sail boats or power boats, they’ll all be here.
“Name any factor of recreational boating and we have it covered, from canoes and kayaks to blue water cruising, water skiing and wake boarding to big game or estuary angling, you’ll find it at Darling Harbour,” he said.
The 2011 Sydney International Boat Show will throw open the doors at 10am on Thursday, July 28.
It will be open from 10am through to 8pm daily (within the exhibition halls) and from 10am to 6pm on the Cockle Bay Marina.
Mr Genua believes the Darling Harbour venue gives the Sydney International Boat Show a venue that is the envy of every other boat show organiser in Australia.
“We are right in the middle of business hub of Australia’s largest city, an easy downhill stroll from the Central Business District and surrounded by many of the city’s major attractions, including Star City Casino,  IMAX, the Sydney Aquarium, the Sydney Wildlife Park and restaurants and dining options to suit all tastes,” he added.   
For ticket pricing and to purchase tickets on-line (and save money), go to the show’s informative website, www.sydneyboatshow.com.au
Bob Wonders

Sydney International Boat Show 2011

Thursday 28th July to Monday 1st August

Hours: 10am - 8pm Halls; 10am - 6pm Marina
Tickets: Pre-purchase your tickets on-line at the show website and save, www.sydneyboatshow.com.au
Ticket prices: Adult: $16.50 on-line; $19.50 at show
Family ticket (2 adults and  3 children): $38.00 on-line; $45.00 at show
Children aged 6-17 years: $9.50 on-line; $11.50 at show.
Three-day VIP guest pass: $42.00 (on-line and at show). Valid for any 3 days of the show. Only one person per day can use pass for entry.
Pensioners: $14.00, Seniors: $17.50. These tickets available only at the show.
$5 after 5pm: Available only at the show. (Marina 10am - 6pm, Hall 10am - 8pm)
All prices include GST.

Boat BooksBoat Books

Boat Books Australia is a well known and popular destination for show patrons with a comprehensive range of titles covering the nautical world. Whether it’s sailing, fishing, powerboats, kayaking or a great marine story you will find it on our shelves.
We also have an opportunity for you to meet the authors at their book-signing sessions. Chat about their adventures with Nancy Knudsen Shooting Stars and Flying Fish, Lynda Frylink Anderson Sailing in my Sarong and The Fat Paddler Sean Smith.
As well as books and charts, we will be demonstrating the latest computer based electronic navigation systems, come and browse.
Boat Books Australia – Stand 211; Hall 2.

Callaghans Marine ServicesCallaghans Marine Services

Recently awarded NSW Volvo Penta Dealer of the Year, Callaghans Marine Services will be helping out on the Volvo Penta stand at the 2011 Sydney Boat Show. On display will be the latest in Volvo Penta marine engine technology including the latest versions of the renowned IPS propulsion system. CMS won the state award for our strong customer service focus and commitment to ongoing technical and product training.
We specialise in IPS and diesel service, repairs and re-powers.
Callaghans Marine Services – Stand 303;  Hall 3.

Contender Sailcloth/ Selden MastContender Sailcloth/ Selden Mast

Contender sailcloth will exhibit the new Fibercon sailcloth range. Sailcloth woven using Fibercon high tenacity yarn ensures performance, durability and great strength retention to UV. There will also be a range of cruising laminates on display suiting all applications in either polyester or carbon to suit radial or cross-cut construction.From Selden Mast we will have the Australian launch of the Selden Reversible winch which won the coveted DAME award at the METS trade show last year. This patented reversible winch is the only manual version that allows a sheet to be eased with one hand whilst still in the self-tailer offering a benefit to cruising and racing sailors alike.
The display will also include Furlex furlers and CX endless line furlers, Selden Deck hardware and a complete Selden multihull display rig.
Contender Sailcloth/ Selden Mast – Stand 130, 131; Hall 1.

Coursemaster AutopilotsCruise in comfort with Coursemaster

Coursemaster’s new CM950 autopilot offers both sailing and power boat owners all the convenient features and fuel saving benefits for short-handed cruising. Add the low-cost T038 system from wireless electronics experts Tacktick that is ideal for all cruising yachts up to 35 feet, and there are even more savings.
Whether replacing existing instruments or a new-build installation, wireless data transfer ensures all the instruments are simple to install and may be self-installed in a matter of hours saving considerable costs. No wires down the mast or through the deck, three screws for the wind transducer, and 12volt power is only required for the displays and hull transmitter.
The small 37cm fully stabilised satellite TracPhone V3 antenna from KVH offers outstanding data rates with download speeds as fast as 2Mbps on KVH’s proven, global mini-VSAT Broadband network for all internet needs.
Coursemaster Autopilots – Stand 309; Hall 3.

Hood SailmakersThe Trusted Name in Sailmaking

This year marks Hood’s 36th year at the Boatshow.Hoods knowledge of sails and furling equipment and all issues on sail fabrics is vast.
There will be a display of furling systems on show and a large collection of sail fabrics, along with launching sock display.
Talk to our representatives on the stand to discuss any details from sail conversions on furling headsails to boom and in-mast furling systems to what sail fabric is best suited for your yacht.
Hood offer a free measure and quote.
Ask about our ‘Boatshow Special.
Hood Sailmakers – Stand 160; Hall 1.

RaymarineRaymarine

Visitors to the 2011 Sydney International Boat Show later this month will have the opportunity to preview the latest range of marine electronics Raymarine. Stocked with a full product range, the Raymarine stand will be located on the marina and will be manned by Raymarine’s team of product experts, who will be available throughout the event to offer advice to both existing and new customers.
The Sydney Show will showcase the wide range of marine electronics that Raymarine offers; from chartplotters to autopilots to our latest T-Series Thermal Night Vision Cameras engineered with FLIR technology which allow boaters to navigate in the dark.
Raymarine – On the Marina.

Sea Tow Where Boaters BelongSea Tow Australia

Come and watch our fascinating salvage video, professionally produced by the great guys at Ultramarine Films with amazing underwater shots showing exactly what happens when the Sea Tow Salvage team gets the call to save a 43ft cruiser and take on a dramatic situation with no guaranteed outcome.We’ll be twirling ropes and telling salty tales on our stand. Show specials will apply to membership for the duration of the show only ... see you there.
Sea Tow – Stand 189; Hall 1.

Gill AustraliaGill Australia

After our successful attendance last year, we are looking forward to bringing an even bigger display of our technical marine clothing and accessories to the 2011 show.Recent new release garments on display will be our versatile new Softshell Jacket (now in three smart looking colours) and the Sail Jacket, a contemporary marine inspired design which is great both on and off the water;
Our full range of corporate marine clothing, on water protection and our popular range of Quayside Deck Shoes for both men and ladies;
And our recently revamped 2011 Dinghy One Design range, designed for comfort and maximum freedom to move. These garments have had a great response from dinghy sailors in all classes.
Our full range of products can be viewed at www.gillaustralia.com
We will also have some boat show specials and discontinued lines.
See you at the show.
Gill Australia – Stands 229-231; Hall 2.

TMQTMQ’s small boat autopilot

Over 35 years of manufacturing and design experience have gone into the development of the AP47, TMQ’s leading small boat autopilot. For mariners with restricted space on a limited budget the AP-47 is the perfect solution. The TMQ AP-47 is TMQ’s first autopilot with no rudder feedback. This feature improves reliability, reduces installation time and allows installation on a wider range of vessel.
The AP-47 uses a new NMEA compass which is fitted with three active sensors sensing magnetic field, gravity and rate to give heading information which can calculate and filter out pitch and roll. The NMEA data is transmitted 10 times a second and is compatible with any equipment using heading information.
Designed to an industry standard 110mm square casing, the AP-47 brings all the features of the more expensive models into a single 110mm square compact unit, without the need for a separate junction box.
TMQ – Stand 431, 432; Hall 4.

Tallon iPad MountTallon to launch iPad Mount

Tallon Systems, the founder and leader in accessory and mounting systems for the marine industry, is to officially launch an all new Elite Socket with USB and the iPad mount at the Showt.The USB Elite Socket is a continuation of their award-winning Tallon Socket, now with the addition USB and Power connections (12 volt), providing every connection you need.
The new Elite Socket is a unique ‘plug and play’ product that allows users to easily mount, remove and relocate items that need power as well as data to function.
Complementing the release of the Elite Socket is the launch of the Tallon iPad Mount which has the ability to communicate with other electronic devices on board such as computers, stereos and DVD players.
The Elite Socket will retail for $69.95 and the iPad mount for $109.95.
Tallon Systems – Stand 223; Hall 2.

Next Generation Boat FloorsNext Generation Boat Floors

Exclusive distributor, Vinyl Teak Boat Floors, has launched the premium Japanese-made Lonseal Lonwood Teak & Holly collection in Australia. This grain-textured resilient vinyl looks like traditional teak and holly flooring – but is effectively waterproof, stain and slip resistant and virtually maintenance free – unlike timber or carpet.
Renowned shipwright Mark Barry-Cotter has installed Lonwood in classic Halvorsens, cruisers, racing yachts and charter cats.
“It really looks like timber – and at about a tenth the cost of a teak floor, owners are ecstatic – this is the product of the future,” said Barry-Cotter.
A limited amount of free samples will be available at the Show.
Vinyl Teak Boat Floors – Stand 124; Hall 1.

Anchor RightAnchor right, with world leading designs

Australian boat and land anchor manufacturers, Anchor Right Australia, are now supplying anchors as good as, if not better than the world has to offer.
    •    Super/ High/ Holding/ Power certification.
    •    Both designs, Super Sarca and Sarca Excel are of convex design, they leave the mud behind.
    •    Super Sarca and Sarca Excel are purpose-designed anchors to hold in many types of sea beds.
    •    Anchor Right are gaining worldwide recognition for setting a bench mark in anchor designs that are extremely environmentally friendly.
    •    From 10ft tinnies to 200 ton trawlers, Anchor Right have the range to suit your needs.
Anchor Right also manufactures a unique range of self-anchor launch and retrieve bow rollers, a model to suit most boats and yachts.
Do you have an anchoring problem? Then before purchasing another anchor check out Anchor Right at the Sydney Boat Show.
Anchor Right Australia – Stands 132,133; Hall 1.

Fusion’s 1,600 watts 5-channel amplifierFusion’s 1,600 watts 5-channel amplifier

Fusion’s formidable amplifier reproduces clear, crisp music, for the full home-theatre experience in a Motor Yacht, or rock in a Trailer or Wake boat. Choose Fusion when all you want to hear is clear sound and lowest bass. A quantum leap forward, Fusion’s D-class amplifier dazzles in appearance, features and performance. Environment-resistant to marine standards under the superbly polished stainless steel cover, the Fusion amplifier delivers high-power sound to many loudspeakers, plus a subwoofer. Few amplifiers come close to the controls offered, with an in-cabin level control included and many pre-set frequency controls.
Fusion – Stand 401, 402, 403 Hall 4.

Beta Diesel

Beta Diesel Australia will be displaying their entire range of engines at this year’s Show. The range now consists of 14 engines from 14hp to 90hp.
All engines are Kubota based and are marinised to Lloyds specifications. The engines meet all the latest EPA exhaust emissions compliance and are extremely economical through all rev ranges.
The engines now come standard with Three Year Worldwide Warranty. Featured this year is the new Beta 16, weighing only 95kg. It has two cylinders and has very compact dimensions, for easy installation.
Beta Diesel Australia – Stand 216; Hall2.

BukhBukh Diesel

Bukh Diesel Australia produces genuine marine diesels, exclusively engineered for the marine environment.
The engines come with Hand Start, and Electric start, and are therefore popular with costal cruisers, and ocean racers.
The engines range to 48hp and are available in shaft drive and Saildrive. the company has been represented in Australia by the same family company for almost 40 years.
The engines are world famous for their anti-vibration characteristics, as well as the ability to hand start in emergency situations.
Bukh Diesel Australia – Stand 216; Hall 2.

Flexiteek Flexiteek synthetic Decking System

Flexiteek has emerged as the undisputed leader of the synthetic decking systems. It is now sold in over 61 countries, is the world leader for new boat decking systems with all the major boat builders across the world fitting as standard, and carries a 5-year warranty.
Flexiteek benefits outweigh teak, the surface is surprisingly similar to teak but with nearly zero maintenance, it has excellent non-skid properties in wet or dry conditions, it is UV stable so will look the same year after year.
Because it is made up from a closed cell material it resists stains from red wine, fish blood, petrol, diesel and oil, any spills simply wash away with detergent.
Each plank is welded together using ultrasonic heat welding techniques, to form a strong and watertight panel that will never crack or split.
Flexiteek – Stand 438; Hall 4.

RFDRFD launches new range of PFDs

RFD has launched a comprehensive new range of PFDs. Conscious of the need for many boaters to wear their jacket while they are on board smaller vessels, the new RFD range carries a heavy emphasis on fit and comfort.
The first model to be launched is the new RFD Cyclone 150. The Cyclone not only achieves the top level 150N performance in buoyancy, but in so doing delivers superior comfort for the wearer and is eminently suitable for fishing, sailing and all forms of boating.
It is officially certified to meet all the stringent requirements of the new Australian Standards (AS4758).
Other models in the new RFD range include Level 150 Coastal, Level 100 Sirocco and Mistral and Level 50 Diablo and Hurricane.
There are also models which have designed specifically to fit women and a range of sizes to fit children, from toddlers through to teens.
RFD – Stand 205; Hall 2.

Icom Australia IC-M23The IC-M23 – Find it in a Flash!

Icom Australia has just released the IC-M23 ‘Float’n Flash’ VHF handheld marine radio. The unit combines the fantastic buoyant construction of previous Icom handhelds with a new flashing feature, allowing it to be detected in the water.
The IC-M23 is the smallest and lightest floating 5W handheld marine VHF radio currently available.
The flashing feature works by using water to complete a small electrical circuit. The radio will begin to flash as soon as it hits the water, allowing it to easily be identified during low-light conditions. The radio will flash in the water even when turned off!
To see the IC-M23 in action, visit our stand at the Show.
Icom – Stand 442; Hall 4.

GMEGME’s new products on display

GME, will have plenty of new products on display at this year’s Sydney International Boat Show, products include the GME G-Series, which includes a Chartplotter, Fishfinder and Combo unit, the G-Com handheld VHF radio and the GD9600 marine stereo system.
Also new is the G-Com GX660 hand-held VHF radio with a waterproof rating of IPX7. This floats, has selectable output power of 5/1W, dual watch, scan and memory all in a robust easy-to-use design. The radio comes with a 12-volt charger, 1400mAh Li-Ion battery that will operate the unit when fully charged for 12 hours.
GME is also releasing the GD9600 marine stereo system. This unit is a CD/MP3 player/AM-FM radio, and is also a DVD player. The unit comes in two configurations – one that can be bulkhead mounted and the other with a fully-enclosed housing and mounting bracket.
GME – Stands 411-413; Hall 4.

YanmarPower Equipment Yanmar

Power Equipment is the exclusive and authorized Australian, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and South Pacific distributor of Yanmar Marine and Industrial diesel engines importing product from Yanmar plants in Japan, Asia, USA and Europe.
Power Equipment is also the exclusive authorized distributor of JCB DieselMax engines for Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and the South Pacific. Power Equipment also distribute the Yanmar powered MASE diesel marine generators range and Gori high quality folding sailboat propellers.
To see our latest products of generators and engines and to find out more about our products, please visit us at the Show.
Power Equipment Yanmar – Stand 311; Hall 3.

Simrad introduces touch-screen NSS Sport seriesSimrad introduces touch-screen NSS Sport series

Simrad’s touch-screen NSS Sport series of multifunction displays will make its Sydney Boat Show debut this month.
Based on the Simrad NSE platform and developed for fishing, sailing and cruising, the feature-packed NSS Sport offers the combination of touch-screen, keypad, and rotary knob control.
The touch-screen is perfect for quickly placing waypoints, marking fish, and acquiring radar targets. The rotary knob is the most effective way of controlling functions such as zooming on a chart, adjusting gain or steering the autopilot.
Powered by a rugged marine processor, the NSS Sport is available in three ultra-clear LED display sizes – NSS7 (16.3cm), NSS8 (21.3cm) and NSS12 (30.5cm). The NSS7 and NSS8 also have built-in Broadband Sounder technology and NSS12 can be integrated with Simrad’s BSM-2 module.
Pre-loaded with Navionics Coastal Cartography, the NSS Sport is compatible with a huge range of options including Broadband Radar and SonicHub.
Simrad – Stand 202 Hall 2.

NavionicsNavionics freshest data!

Navionics new online update system is called ‘Freshest Data’. It features:
    •    Unlimited updates for One Year;
    •    The upgrade is downloaded directly from the web store on navionics.com.
    •    Access Navionics most current data base, updated Notice to Mariners, Points of Interest, tides & currents, port plans service information and more;
    •    Receive email information regarding chart updates.
This is all enhanced by a free PC or Mac app with each chart purchase.
    •    View your Navionics Charts in full detail with this great Navionics app permanently resident on your PC or Mac;
    •    Browse, zoom, search and perform basic nav functions like adding waypoints and creating routes;
    •    Join the Navionics UGC (User Generated Content) community by adding features, fuel stops, good food experiences and more.
Navionics – Stand 439; Hall 4.

Honda’s new flagship BF250Honda’s new flagship BF250

Sydney International Boat Show patrons will get a sneak peek of Honda’s all-new concept BF250 outboard.
The BF250 provides the first indication of the design direction for the new outboard, which is planned to be available in Australia towards the end of this year.
Based on a large-displacement 3.6L engine, the concept BF250 has been designed to deliver the optimum balance of performance and fuel efficiency, through exclusive Honda technologies including BLAST – air/fuel ratio linked ignition timing control technology; VTEC – variable valve timing and electronic control; and ECOmo – unique lean burn control system.
The concept engine is also NMEA 2000 compliant, allowing engine-to-electronics data communication to deliver engine management and performance data to compatible marine electronics displays.
Through its innovative design, the concept BF250 also incorporates a streamlined, striking and sleek exterior that reflects Honda’s position as a premium brand in the marine industry.
Honda – Stand 300 Hall 3.

Jeppesen’s High-Resolution Bathymetric Charts for Australian WatersJeppesen’s High-Resolution Bathymetric Charts for Australian Waters

The newly released high-resolution Jeppesen Bathymetric Charts for Australian Waters, growing its popular global portfolio of C-Map by Jeppesen charts will be on display.
Covering Australian coastal waters, the depth contours provided by these high definition bathy charts make them ideal aid for both sailing and fishing. The sailing fraternity can use these charts to predict eddies in the currents to improve performance, while fishermen can use them to find prominent seafloor structure to predict upwellings where the illusive bait fish hides.
“With Jeppesen’s high-resolution bathy data, commercial fishermen and sports fishing enthusiasts can better locate important deep water fishing areas where fish are likely to congregate and feed. This can increase time on the fishing ground while burning less fuel locating the grounds,” said Wayne Hunter, Senior Market Manager of Jeppesen Australia.
Jeppesen Bathymetric Charts – Stand 444; Hall 4.

Waves OverseasWaves launch Smartliner

Headed by the former owner of Arvor Boats and comprising a team of master boat builders from the United States, France, New Zealand and Taiwan. Smartliner is excited to launch its new range into to the Australian boating market.
Sydney International Boat Show 2011 - Darling HarbourSmartliner boats use the latest vacuum infusion and resin transfer technologies to maximise hull strength, consistency and overall finish. That’s why each Smartliner hull is backed by a 5yr structural warranty.
The Smartliner 21C is the flagship of the range and is equipped with rod holders, live well, bait board and plenty of storage for all your gear. It also features ample open deck space for the serious fisherman. Boat, motor and trailer packages start from an incredible $26,400 for the 17C.
Waves Overseas – Stand 155; Hall 1.