Beaut Sydney Boat Show - Saddened by Stolen Camera

Today I made the four and half hour train trip from Muswellbrook to Sydney to visit the 46th Sydney International Boast Show.

I had intended to take lots of photos of the Boat Show with my recently purchased camera. However this was not to be. Some low-life stole my camera out of my pocket sometime after I left Town Hall Station and walked the short distance to Darling Harbour. They must have been professional pick-pockets, as I felt nothing as it was removed from my trouser pocket. It could have been worse I suppose, as they could have also stolen my wallet. This is a blow for me, as I do not make any money from producing this Magazine. I simply do it to promote tourism in the Hunter Valley, Australia and the world. As a mark of respect for my stolen camera, this article will be the first I have posted without photos. Readers will have to use their imaginations to picture the glamorous boats that were on display.

The Boat Show is held in two areas of Darling Harbour. The outdoor area is on the water of Cockle Bay, with the boats moored at the temporary marina. The indoor area is in the six exhibition halls of the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre.

I first explored the many large and luxurious sail and power boats floating on the water. Prestigious boating companies had on display their newest and best boats. After taking off my shoes, I joined many other people and boarded some of the boats for a close up inspection of their interiors. I was amazed at how luxurious the interiors were. The bedrooms, bathrooms, living areas and kitchens all had the finest of furnishings and fittings. I was amazed at how much living space was inside, with the best use of space made in all possible ways. The interiors of some of the boats were as big as some apartments.

As well as the new boats on display at the marina, some interesting heritage boats were on display at The Walk of Fame. These included the old timber boats Lithgow (built in 1987), Proclaim (built in 1939), and Lady Hopetoun (built in 1902). The Team Australia yacht, that won this years Sydney to Hobart yacht race, was also on display.

I then walked to the Exhibition Centre to see the various indoor displays. There were wall-to-wall displays of boats, canoes, clothing and accessories. In the entertainment precinct various talks were given on a range of subjects from fishing to boating. I was fortunate to listen to Katrina Ham talk about her passion for solo ocean racing.

Some interesting facts I learnt about the Boat Show.include:

• there are more than 250 exhibitors
• there are more than 180 boats on display at the marina
• if these boats were lined up bow to stern they would cover a distance of 2.2kms and would stretch from Cockle Bay to the Opera House
• there are more than 750 boats on display in the exhibition halls
• if I walked along all the aisles in the exhibition halls I would have walked 2.2 kms.

There is still time to visit the 46th Sydney International Boat Show, as its last day is tomorrow.

The 46th Sydney International Boat Show

LOCATION: Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre & Cockle Bay Marina, Darling Harbour, Sydney, Australia

LAST DAY: Monday 5 August

HOURS: 10am - 8pm Halls, 10am - 6pm Marina

LOCATION: Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre & Cockle Bay Marina,
Darling Harbour, Sydney, Australia

TICKET PRICES: (Purchase your tickets at the door)
Adult - $20.00, Child - $12.00, 6 to 17 years, 5 and under free, Family - $47.00 2 adults and 3 children, Pensioner - $14.50 - Card required, Senior - $18.00 - Card required
$5 after 5pm - $5.00 (Marina 5pm - 6pm, Hall 5pm - 8pm)

WEBSITE: http://www.sydneyboatshow.com.au