50th Sydney International Boat Show; August 3-7, 2017. MORE THAN 63,000 visitors attended this year’s Sydney International Boat Show (August 3-7) at Darling Harbour, marking a return to the attendance figures of 2012 according to show organisers. Last year’s show attracted just under 50,000 visitors.
50th Sydney International Boat Show; August 3-7, 2017.
Howard Glenn, CEO of the Boating Industry Association, said: “We had a number of factors in our favour – our return fully to our spiritual home of Darling Harbour, the recognised 50th anniversary, exceptional weather, exhibitor optimism and very strong indications that consumer sentiment is on the rise.”
As exhibitors reported strong sales, dealer Multihull Solutions broke its own sales record at the show, taking orders on nine new power and sailing catamarans totalling A$11m in value, with Fountaine Pajot models leading the demand.
Five orders were taken for the French yard’s Helia 44 Evolution sailing cat, with Multihull Solutions announcing that four of the Australian clients chose to collect their new boats from the shipyard in 2019.
The dealer also staged the southern hemisphere launch of the new MY 44 by Fountaine Pajot Motor Yachts, which enjoyed strong interest and was ordered by a Queensland couple.
Two Lucia 40 sailing cats were ordered by New Zealand and Queensland clients with delivery scheduled for 2019 and 2020 respectively, while a Victoria 67 sailing cat was sold to a family who will receive their new boat in 2019.
Mark Elkington, Managing Director of Multihull Solutions, said: “We have never experienced the level of interest that we had at the Sydney show, with our entire team run off their feet to cater for the constant stream of genuine buyers at our stand.
“It is exciting to see how multihulls are now being well and truly embraced by the cruising community and we’re thrilled to represent the world leader builders in the industry.”
Riviera staged the world premiere of its 68 Sports Motor Yacht alongside nine other motoryachts by the Australian yard including the 52 Enclosed Flybridge and 43 Open Flybridge.
Australian yard Belize showcased its 54 Daybridge model and unveiled the concept of the Belize 66, which is currently in build in two versions – Sedan and Daybridge – and will make its world premiere in 2018.
Australian premiere of the HPC48, while Aquila Power Catamarans staged the country debut of the Aquila 36.
French yard Jeanneau staged Asia-Pacific premieres for the Jeanneau 51, Sun Fast 3200, Merry Fisher 895 and Cap Camarat 10.5 WA.
The show also featured many educational and entertaining activities including three stages covering fishing, dive and aftermarket products and services, while displays from the Kilpatrick family of racing boats and the Maritime Museum sat alongside a photography competition. The 2018 show will be held from August 2-6.
