WET A LINE AT THE SYDNEY INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW

No matter what research you do, it always points to the fact that more than half of all visitors attending the Sydney International Boat Show have a primary interest in fishing.

A fact known all too well by both organisers and exhibitors, those visiting the show with fishing in their blood will be in for a treat.

Boat manufacturers saw the light more than a decade ago, and whilst there will be plenty of rigs designed specifically for fishing, many if not most other boats will have features that help one drop a line no matter the type of vessel.

This year’s show will boast hundreds of boats designed for the fishing family. Be it a small tinnie to rummage around in, or the full rig for offshore expeditions, the boat show will have something for most needs.

But the boats are not where it ends. The show has been renowned in its ability to have available an enormous array of gear for the rig. Be it state of the art electronics, safety gear or tackle supplies, this year promises to deliver in many ways.

If you have nothing in mind that you need, you can still get plenty from the show. Visitors to will have the opportunity to sit in some fabulous Fishing Master Classes that will run twice a day. The three and a half hour classes will boast some of Australia’s leading sports and leisure fishing guru’s including Tim Simpson, Al McGlashan, Steve Starling, Greg Reid, Peter Johnson, Laurie McEnally and Paul Burt. And for those without too much time to spare, you can join and leave the class at any time. Stay for the full term or just a couple of sessions. Classes start at 11.30 am and at 3.30 pm. Between the two, sit in on HiTide’s Kieran Reekie who will present the days fishing news and reports. Kieran is on stage at 3.00 pm daily.

This year the Sydney International Boat Show will commemorate its 50th anniversary. To coincide with this, it will return fully to Darling Harbour with the event taking up all exhibition space at the new, purpose-built International Convention Centre-Sydney (ICC).

Boating Safety is at the core of the organisers’ charter, so again the show welcomes Transport for NSW as the shows Partner in Safety. Situated on the upper level near the entry door, the Boating Safety Zone will be a hub of information for anyone who considers boating a part of their life. The Boating Safety zone is a must visit location to get the latest information on how to make your time of the water with family and friends better.

The show is scheduled for 5 days, 3 to 7 August.

Halls will open from 10am to 8pm, while the specially installed Marina will open from 10am up until 7pm. Tickets are now available online.

Visitors wanting more information should visit the website www.sydneyboatshow.com.au or call the recorded hotline on 1300 7 BOATS (26887).