Melbourne's mega summer boat show

The 2009 Melbourne International Boat & Lifestyle Show is shaping up as the fastest-growing lifestyle event of its type in Australia with more than $100 million of boats expected to be on the water, said BIA Victoria (BIAV).

To be held at Docklands, from January 30 to February 1, BIAV said some of the largest and most luxurious boats in the country will create a spectacular on-water display, while a significant number of on-land exhibits — from the latest in trailerboats and marine accessories to travel and holiday information — will stretch from NewQuay to Waterfront City.

BIAV general manager, Robert Coco said the growth of the Melbourne International Boat & Lifestyle Show mirrored the state’s escalating enthusiasm for waterfront living and recreational boating.

“The City of Melbourne, as a major sponsor, is investing heavily to promote the Melbourne International Boat and Lifestyle Show as one of the major events on the city’s calendar,” said Coco.

“There’s little doubt the pipeline of waterfront and harbour developments in and around Port Phillip and Western Port (bays) will underwrite even stronger growth in the event over the next decade,” he said.

At the higher end of the scale, BIAV said Australian marques such as Riviera and Caribbean will attract discerning boaters’ attention, while luxury sailing yacht enthusiasts — both racers and cruisers — will be tempted by the likes of Beneteau, Hanse and Jeanneau.

The Melbourne International Boat & Lifestyle Show has also been chosen as the Australian premiere launch boat show for the Hanse 400, Hunter 27 Edge, Fjord 40 Cruiser and the legally-towable (without permits) Caribbean 24 Open Runabout, said show organisers.

Leading fibreglass and aluminium trailerboat brands will also have a strong presence, among them Melbourne-based Bar Crusher which will unveil its new 760 at the show, said BIAV, while marine engines, electronics, propellers, fishing and watersports gear, along with a massive range of other related equipment will be on display in marquees along the promenade.

BIAV said children and adults alike will be kept entertained with free interactive activities such as ‘come try’ sailing and canoeing, boat rides, stage activities, the ever-popular Flathead Fred fishing clinics and informative talks from other leading identities in their fields.

BIAV said show patrons will also have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to look around the unique, world record-breaking Earthrace vessel (in June 2008, this futuristic vessel set a new world record for a powerboat to circle the globe, and did this with 100 per cent renewable biodiesel fuel and a net zero carbon footprint).

Many components of the 2009 Melbourne International Boat & Lifestyle Show will be free to the public, including access to all the open space exhibits along the promenade and the shell scheme. BIAV said access to boats on the marina will be ticketed: adults $12; families $28 (two adults and up to three children); children from five to under 16 and concession card holders $6.

For further information, phone (03) 8696 5600 or visit www.biavic.com.au