Melbourne International Boat & Lifestyle Festival Continued
The grey clouds and morning showers presiding over yesterday’s opening day couldn’t have presented a greater contrast to last year’s show, when the afternoon temperature in the Melbourne Docklands district (and indeed, across much of Victoria) soared well above 40°C.
Nonetheless, a number of hardened and loyal buyers were said to have made their way down to the marina even before the Festival officially opened, and with today’s pleasant (although somewhat windy) mid 20-or-so temperature, not to mention various food, wine and music festivities, the Festival’s second day appeared to have been well attended.
Turning many heads on the marina was a Dyna 77 Laguna, and not just because it was the largest vessel on display. Moored next to a companion Dyna 58, it dwarfed some of the trailerable boats sitting on the open space exhibits, and awed those who stepped aboard with its with luxurious interior.
Mustang had also whipped up interest with its new 2850 Sports Cruiser, featuring clever new additions like Finscan fingerprint starting and increased interior space.Similarly impressive exhibits were to be seen from the likes of Beneteau, Caribbean, Chaparral, Jeanneau, Maritimo, Riviera and more.
Of course, the show wasn’t entirely about big boats, although they were by far the most impressive, and a large number of displays in the open and marquee area that were free to the public proved very popular.
Some standouts included Bar Crusher’s custom-built 560XS Tournament, unmissable with its Lowrance logo emblazoned on the side, the new Rolco Tsunami, and the new 2010 Malibu Wakesetter VLX that continues Malibu’s now almost rudimentary tradition of collecting design awards.Sealegs Australia was also as conspicuous as ever with its unusual amphibious craft.
Indeed, there was no shortage of dealers representing brands like Lewis, Streaker, Tournament, Quintrex, Tabs, as well as Yamaha Waverunners and Sea-Doo PWCs.
And naturally, the Trade-A-Boat and TrailerBoat stand was also there to report on the show, and promote our giveaway boat, a Coastryder 6m Hardtop Fisherman package valued at more than $70,000 — and did we mention that entering the competition is free?
The Melbourne International Boat & Lifestyle Festival concludes on Sunday, February 7.
Visit www.miblf.com.au for more information.