Andrew Ettingshausen's Guide to the 2023 Sydney International Boat Show

There’s always a great vibe around Sydney at this time of year. The days will soon get warmer, and being a mad-keen fisher, I love the amazing collection of boats and gear to be found at the 54th Sydney International Boat Show. Here’s what’s not to miss.

Sparkling Cockle Bay alongside the International Convention Centre at Darling Harbour is set to look amazing with more than 215 boats on display at the purpose-built marina. Some of the most exciting new models are premiering at the show. Not only presenting powered vessels, but there are plenty of sailing boats to see as well. At the bigger end of the scale, if you asked me about my ‘dream boat’, I’d have to admit to loving the range established by Tony Fleming. Every Fleming yacht bears the distinctive look of their very first boat. Of course, today, they are very different under the hood, and continue to develop and refine the designs as a result of feedback, experience and new technology. I love them, and plenty others, and you’ll see why at the Show.  

On the Marina Foreshore, you’ll find me at the Escape Fishing with ET Hub.  Fishing has pretty much been a major part of my life since retiring from Rugby League, and since then, along with producing my TV show 'Escape Fishing with ET’, fishing has truly been an amazing escape from the everyday rigours of life.  This is true for so many others as well, and the boat show is the terrific opportunity to catch-up, chat and learn all the tips and tricks about landing ‘the big one.’

Around this area too, you'll find the Discover Sailing and Paddling Hub. Sailing is one of the most accessible ways to head out onto the water, every weekend if you wanted to.  Here you can learn about the many ways to start sailing on our various waterways. From introductory class vessels for younger enthusiasts, to dinghies designed with accessibility in mind, right through to the most prestigious of yachting events, this family focussed precinct will likely inspire you to seek-out your local club and appreciate the incredible, safe and affordable opportunities that exist for sailing around Sydney and beyond.  

On the Discover Sailing & Paddling Hub Stage, you’ll hear from some amazing Australian record holders, including Michelle Lee who paddled her kayak unassisted across the Pacific Ocean, and Lisa Blair who holds the record for the fastest sail-powered circumnavigation of Antarctica, and being the first woman to sail solo, non-stop and unassisted around Australia. There will be plenty of other inspiring interviews and stories too.

Don’t get too overwhelmed when you head into the ICC Halls. There’s plenty to see, and a great way to plan your visit, or to find exactly what you're seeking, is to download the customised Sydney International Boat Show Mobile APP on your smartphone. Just search for “The Event App” in the app store and enter the code: sibs23.

Incredibly, in the ICC Halls you’ll find just about everything you need here for a great day on or around the water. Fish finders, chart plotter and some new quiet trolling motors from Garmin are always worth a look. Find some deals and perhaps pick-up some new fishing gear from the tackle exhibitors.  

There are of course hundreds of boats to see in the halls, and plenty of variety too, depending on your needs and budget. On Escape Fishing with ET I use Surtees fishing boats because of their innovation and technology, and you’ll see what I mean at the Show. While some boat manufacturers might suggest that boat building hasn’t changed much through the passage of time, but now by using modern materials and technology, overlaid with new ideas, many manufacturers have enhanced time-honoured ways to develop what is arguably the safest, best performing range of fishing boats on the water. Be sure to check them out.  And if you need a trailer for your boat, I love the range of trailers from Dunbier. Their range covers aluminium boats, fibreglass boats PWCs and even rubber dinghies.  

Hauling gear around is made a lot easier with Ram trucks, and the power of these beasts sure does come in handy when towing the boat or trailer. If you have never towed a boat before, the Show is a great place to learn about the extra driving skills you need to consider, as well as things like load limits and towing capacity.

Speaking of learning new things, the Fishing Masterclasses return to the Show this year. Included free with your entry ticket, you can hear from some of the best in the business. Whether you love deep ocean fishing, inshore bay fishing, or just lust throwing in a line off the pier, there’s plenty of new things to learn from the team at the fishing stage, with presentations running back-to-back each day of the show. I’ll even make an appearance!

Finding some of the more secluded fishing spots can be easier by merely paddling with a kayak, and as an alternative to a powered vessel, Hobie will be featured at the Show with a range to suit your style of fishing and budget. Their angler series is perfectly designed for the job, whether you prefer using the traditional paddles, or love the thought of a bit of pedal power. There are even inflatable versions as well, making it easy to store and transport.

I know there are plenty of people who love heading out for a great day fishing, but sometimes suffer from sea sickness. I reckon it’s worth talking to the people at Escape Travel Sickness. Their formula contains a combination of well researched ingredients that prevent the message from the inner ear to the brain which settles the stomach to prevent nausea. It might be just what you’re looking for at the Show.

A few people always mention to me that they struggle to find places to store everything they want for their own fishing adventures, or even have difficulty finding a place to keep their boat. It’s great the hear that National Storage is sponsoring the Sydney International Boat Show this year, where you can speak to them about their solutions to storage problems, and perhaps even find a place to garage your boat close to the nearest ramp. Problem solved!

Finally, be sure to visit the folks from Transport for NSW at the Show. They always have plenty of information on the latest regulations that you must know to keep you and your family safe when out on the water. They have been tremendous source of information for my TV show over the years, and can certainly share all that information with you about having a fun and safe day out on the water every single time.

The Show runs from the 3rd until the 6th of August this year at Darling Harbour, with the indoor displays at the International Convention Centre Sydney, and more than 200 boats on the adjacent purpose-built marina on Cockle Bay. Be sure to buy your tickets online at www.sydneyboatshow.com.au. See you there.

Andrew Ettingshausen is an ambassador for the 54th Sydney International Boat Show, and his 25th season of Fishing Escape with ET is currently in production with Network Ten.

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