Wind-powered boating is growing in popularity, drawing millions of Australians to the water annually, and as excitement builds for the Australian sailing and paddling athletes preparing for the upcoming Paris Olympics, it’s no surprise that more individuals are exploring ways to join in on the excitement.
Whether it’s a day spent on the harbour, an adventure on a river, or simply paddling around a lake, sailing or paddling provides everyone with the chance to immerse themselves in nature, compete, socialise or just take time out to escape the daily grind.
For those curious about the world of sailing or paddling, or for those converted enthusiasts eager to explore new techniques and equipment, the Discover Sailing & Paddling Hub at the 2024 Sydney International Boat Show is a must-see this August.
The 55th edition of the Show will present everything from local club sailing to ocean-going yachts coupled with panel discussions, presentations and demonstrations with Australia’s foremost sailing personalities. The Boating Industry Association (BIA) initiated the Discover Sailing & Paddling Hub as part of the Show in 2023 and it can again be found on the Marina Foreshore.
A host of leading sailing and paddling brands and businesses will exhibit within the International Convention Centre (ICC) and around the custom built marina located on Cockle Bay, including: Bavaria Yachts (Ensign Yachts); Beneteau (Flagstaff Marine); Elan Yachts (Performance Cruising Yachts); Excess Catamarans (Flagstaff Marine); Jeanneau (Performance Boating); J/Boats (Ensign Yachts); Lagoon (TMG Yachts); Leopard Catamarans; Nautitech (Ensign Yachts); Pacific Sailing School; Red Paddle Co; Saffier Yachts (Carbon Yachts); Sailfish Catamarans (Webbe Marine); Seawind (Multihull Central); Sipaboards (Outdoorxcite); Tofinou (Ensign Yachts); Viko Yachts (Oceanco/ Hemisphere Marine); and YASKA (Yaska Leisure Products).
The 2024 Show will also host several sailing product launches and premieres, including:
- Performance Boating Sales – Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 350 (Asia-Pacific)
- Ensign Yachts – Bavaria C46 (Australian)
- Ensign Yachts – Tofinou 7.9 (Australian)
- Oceanco/ Hemisphere Marine – Viko S21 (Australian)
Three-time Open World Champion and more than 10-time National Championship holder Nic ‘The Sailor Girl’ Douglass is once again helping the BIA to deliver the Discover Sailing & Paddling Hub. Douglass explains that this is a great starting place for anyone interested in learning more about sailing and paddling, or for enthusiasts looking to pick up a few new tips and tricks.
“For those not familiar with the sailing and paddling world it can seem intimidating, but these sports are a lot more accessible than people might think. The Discover Sailing & Paddling Hub is the perfect place to find a location, club or friend that could help you get started in sailing or begin your boating journey through paddling. Or, for those already involved, it is an awesome opportunity to connect with other boating nerds,” Douglass said.
Throughout the Show, Douglass who will be at the Paris Olympics sailing competition in Marseille, France will cross to the Show to provide Olympic regatta competition updates.
From adventurers, to cruisers, foilers, racers and experts in the industry, the stage at the Discover Sailing & Paddling Hub will host some of the best as they share stories about their experiences, challenges, and achievements. The stage line-up will feature:
- Katie Spithill – Stage Host – Multiple grade one match racing winner, national champion, and leader of the Australian Women’s Racing female racing squad.
- Lisa Blair – BIA Sustainability Ambassador and Guest Speaker – Lisa is an Australian solo sailor with multiple world records to her name, she is also a strong voice for sustainability in the response to climate change and the impact it is having on Australia’s oceans and waterways.
- Sarah Davis – Guest Speaker – Sarah is the first woman to lead an expedition down the Nile from its source to the Mediterranean. Covering more than 1,000km of rafting and 3,000km of kayaking. Sarah then completed a solo 2,500km descent of Australia’s Murray River and embarked on a challenging 4,700km cycling expedition across the continent in 2021.
- John & Mike Blenkinsop – Guest Speakers – After building their boats together from a flat pack, this father and son duo will race against each other in a solo race around the world. John and Mike will also sail from the Sunshine Coast to the Show as part of their qualifying requirements.
- Team Australia Challenge (TAC) – Panel Participants – Members of Team Australia Challenge will participate in multiple panels during the Show. The team includes the squad for the UniCredit Youth and inaugural Puig Women’s America’s Cup regattas scheduled for September/October 2024.
- Australian National Maritime Museum – the Australian National Maritime Museum will present on Australian Naval history, with the HMAS Advance being berthed just near the stage, as well as hosting a rope-making demonstration.
- Surf Life Saving Australia – Guest Speakers – will be speaking daily on safety by the water and the importance of life jackets when boating.
- Marine Rescue NSW – Guest Speakers- will be speaking on the importance of logging on and off with Marine Rescue, including their app which makes it even easier to be safer when boating.
A highlight of the Discover Sailing & Paddling Hub stage will be hearing from Australian adventurer and climate change activist and BIA Sustainability Ambassador, Lisa Blair.
Lisa recently set three new World Sailing Speed Records: for the fastest time Sydney to Auckland; first woman solo monohull record, slicing an incredible four days off the record; and the first person to sail solo, non-stop and unassisted around New Zealand in just under 17 days. Lisa has also used her public profile to become an advocate for broader issues affecting the marine industry, particularly around sustainability and climate change. She is committed to tackling the effects of climate change on Australia’s oceans and waterways through her Climate Action Now campaign – a project which focuses on implementing practical solutions to address climate change issues.
“Over the last decade of my career I have noticed the impact that climate change has had on our environment. The storms are more aggressive and less predictable, the absence of wildlife when years earlier those seas were brimming with life and the increased risk of collision with ice as the glaciers keep melting. These are all symptoms of climate change. What we know is that a greater awareness needs to be reached and action needs to be taken,” Blair said.
She continues, “I wholeheartedly believe that together we can deliver a very strong message which will create meaningful conversations, and then action, and what better platform to harness this than via the Sydney International Boat Show, which is expected to attract more than 50,000 people this year. For many people living in Australia the waterways are their livelihood, or their way-of-life, and we need to rally together to protect them.”
The Show will also align with the premiere of Lisa’s feature length documentary “Ice Maiden”. The film charts Lisa’s uncompromising determination during her quest to become the first woman in history to sail solo, non-stop, and unassisted around Antarctica. Visitors to the Discover Sailing & Paddling Hub will also have the chance to win tickets to the premiere screenings.
Adding further excitement to the four days, O’pen Skiff will host daily sailing demonstrations at 1pm in the Demonstration Zone, with step-by-step instructions on rigging and dismantling different types of boats happening over the course of the day. Throughout the Show audience members will also be challenged to “pack a spinnaker”, with some great giveaways up for grabs including a North Sails Apparel voucher.
There are also great daily prizes to be won, including 1 of 4 inflatable SUP paddleboards thanks to Red Paddle Co. simply by visiting the Discover Sailing & Paddling Hub and scanning the QR code.
Standard general admission tickets to the 2024 Sydney International Boat Show are available from AUD$29.50. Children under 16 years of age enter for free when accompanied by a paying adult. For further information including tickets and accommodation options visit www.sydneyboatshow.com.au.
The Sydney International Boat Show is presented by the Boating Industry Association Ltd (BIA) with delivery partner Mulpha Events and proudly supported by partner in safety – Transport for NSW, along with official event partners Century Batteries, GMSV and Walcon Marine, and media partner Ocean Media.
By Natalie Brown – Sydney International Boat Show Media
