The Sydney International Boat Show

Editorial

More than 150 years ago, a group of Cornishmen built a wooden lugger, christened it the Mystery, then sailed it halfway around the world to Australia. Inspired by this heroic feat, Cornish woodworker Pete Goss recently decided to recreate this voyage. He built a replica of their vessel, took the same course and arrived at the same destination - Melbourne - in March, 2009. His replica, the Spirit of Mystery, has since made its way up to Sydney, where it has been welcomed as the guest of honour at this year's Sydney International Boat Show.

It is but one of the many sights to experience at the show - a five-day event that has a program to suit everyone's interests, be you sea-dog or land lubber. A favourite at the show is the Boat Building Competition: teams of tradespeople, given only limited materials, have just two hours to build boats which they must then race around the waters of Cockle Bay. Another drawcard is the Fishing Clinic, which always snags a large number of enthusiasts, eager to gain some advice or just hear a yarn.

With fashion parades, new model releases, photographic exhibitions, family entertainment and a few more surprises in store, this is one boat show that rocks.

Kilian David