Melbourne Club Marine Sail Boat Show

A brand-new multi-million-dollar clubhouse, increased attendance and a seafood festival are just some of the tantalisers being promised at the 2009 Melbourne Club Marine Sail Boat Show (from November 14 to 15) at Sandringham Yacht Club (SYC).

Said to be one of the best boutique sail-only shows in the country, the only dedicated sailboat show in Melbourne will feature a new format to match the new clubhouse and waterfront facility. It will also be one of the first major events to take place at the new SYC clubhouse, which officially opens in early October.

Set on the waters-edge of Port Phillip Bay, the show will give visitors the unique opportunity to step aboard all the boats on display via SYC’s floating marina and to go for a test sail – too easy. Adults and youngsters alike can take to the water in the free Try Sailing lessons supervised by professional instructors. All of this without having to walk miles.

HONORARY MEMBERSHIP
All exhibitors will receive honorary membership to the SYC over the weekend of the Sail Boat Show, entitling them to full membership benefits and access in the new clubhouse. Exhibitors are welcome to sign-in their partners and children and make a weekend of it.

VIP TREATMENT
Exhibitors will receive complementary drinks at the end of each day of the Show and SYC will ‘shout’ exhibitors a pre-Show opening drink on Friday evening.

Club Marine policy holders, SYC members and Yachting Australia Silver card holders will also receive free entry to the.

As an added incentive, to celebrate the return of the Show to SYC, organisers said admission prices will remain unchanged from previous years, at: $5 Adult; $2 Children; and, 8-year-olds and under free of charge.

EXHIBITORS KEEP COMING BACK
Peter Dowdney, the international sales manager for Ronstan International Pty Ltd said:
“Ronstan is extremely excited to see that the Club Marine Sail Boat Show is returning to its traditional home at the amazing new Sandringham Yacht Club.

“This show promises to be an awesome event and one that should not be missed by anyone who has even the slightest interest in sailing.

“The public will be able to come and see the very latest in exciting and innovative marine products, speak to knowledgeable and enthusiastic exhibitors, crawl all over a great selection of the latest sail boat releases for 2009, and even go out and get their bums wet if they feel that way inclined!

“On top of this, there will be a host of fun, nautical related activities, demonstrations, culinary sensations and live entertainment; all housed in the most spectacular venue on Port Phillip Bay,” said Dowdney, a sailor of repute with a long history in the marine industry. “I encourage all members of the sailing community to join with us in making the Club Marine Sail Boat Show the most successful event of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere.”

“The Melbourne Sail Boat Show is always well organised and well attended. It is the only show we attend that attracts a real yachting
crowd from all over Victoria. Being held at the start of the summer sailing season within the new facilities at Sandringham, we are looking forward to a successful show,” said Sundance Yacht Sales’ David Beck.

Patron of the Show, legendary award-winning yachtsman and long-time SYC member, Lou Abrahams, is also looking forward to the event.

With space starting to fill, SYC said exhibitors should book quickly so as not to miss out on what will be a ground-breaking Show.

SEAFOOD FESTIVAL
For the first time ever, cuisines representing four nations will be on offer at the Club Marine Sail Boat Show, where visitors can chill out and take in the views from the SYC’s new restaurant and deck. The views are spectacular.

From Australia, succulent oysters from four regions served in four different styles and classic Aussie-style fish and chips, while lovers of Japanese food will have a selection of sushi, sashimi and okonomiyaki.

Those with a taste for Spain will enjoy such delights as seafood paella. Thai food lovers don’t miss out either;
classics such as Tom Yum, Pad Thai and, of course, Thai fish cakes, will all be on offer.

Bart Beek, the celebrated Club Marine chef, will give cooking demonstrations. Be there and enjoy the fruits of his labour.

ART WITH A DIFFERENCE
Another first, Victoria’s Artful Dodgers, a group of artists with a difference, will stage a nautical art show in the SYC’s new training auditorium, with more than 50 individual water-themed paintings and sculptures.

Totally devoted to sailing fanatics, this is a Show the whole family can take pleasure in. Easy to get to and easy to park — just a short stroll to the Club — the Show is again supported by Club Marine and Bayside City Council. It is expected to attract more than 10,000 visitors.

For diehards and novices alike, a wealth of information with professional advice will be on hand to help visitors choose the right products and the activities that best suit their interest and lifestyle — all in one location.

FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT
There will be lots for the entire family to partake in; live entertainment and kids entertainment, and a wide range of catering options.

Exhibits - On-water, hardstand and off-the-beach display areas that will accommodate more than 100 individual exhibitor displays from around the country. A full range of monohulls, keelboats, dinghies, catamarans, trailable yachts and more will be on display.

Boat Show Alley - At the new Clubhouse, view more than 60 trade displays, including the latest designs and technical advances in engines, lifejackets, spars, paint, propellers, ropes, sails, winches, and more.

EVENT INFORMATION
WHAT: 2009 Club Marine Sail Boat Show
WHEN: November 14
and 15, from 10am to 5pm
WHERE: Sandringham Yacht Club, Jetty Rd, Sandringham (Melways 76E8)

For details on exhibiting or visiting the Show contact Liz McCormack or Richard Hewett, Sandringham Yacht Club, phone (03) 9598 7444 or email: info@sailboatshow.com.au

For further information, visit www.sailboatshow.com.au/about-2009/

And don't forget to buy the forthcoming issue of Trade-a-Boat (on sale August 26) for our special feature on the new Sandringham Yacht Club facilities.

Photos: The new Sandringham Yacht Club clubhouse; Looking out over the Yacht Club's marina from the Members' Bar outside deck.