SYDNEY, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- The Sydney International Boat Show cruised into the harbour city on Thursday, showcasing all the glamour of the luxury mega-yacht industry.
With around 1,000 boats on display from kayaks to multi-million dollar cruisers, more than 60,000 visitors are expected to attend over the next five days.
"What you will see at this year's show is your ability to participate in boating without having to own one," Boating Industry Association media and events manager Domenic Genua told Xinhua.
"Recreational boating doesn't discriminate, no matter how young or how old you are, there is boating for you."
In Sydney, in excess of 2 million people get on the water every year with the iconic harbour setting providing a picturesque backdrop for recreational boat users.
In order to make boating more affordable, many people are turning to a number of different alternatives to make their dreams of yacht ownership come true.
"You can become a member of a club and join their fleet of boats and use them as you require," Genua said.
Other options include purchasing a "timeshare" with a syndicate of other owners.
"Timeshare has become increasingly popular especially over the past five years," managing director of Luxury Boat Syndicates Ian Rose told Xinhua.
"Everyone is realizing, and becoming more sensible with their money about how to obtain a luxury asset for a fraction of the cost."