Sanctuary Cove Boat Show 2025 preview: 92 launches at expanded edition
The 2025 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show (SCIBS), now in its 36th year, is expected to attract more than 45,000 visitors from across Australia and overseas. SCIBS 2025 will be held from tomorrow (Thursday 22 May) until Sunday (25 May 2025) at Sanctuary Cove on Queensland’s Gold Coast, in eastern Australia.
The 2025 edition, organised by Mulpha Evants, will feature an expanded footprint for this year, boasting an increase from 180-200 to over 320 boats this year, plus 92 launches and improved facilities, according to organisers.
“We’ve drawn the most dynamic brands from Australia and across the globe, all keen to launch their latest innovations here,” says Corey Rattray-Wood, head of events at Mulpha Events.
Reimagined pavilions at the main entrance will provide 2,325 square metres of indoor exhibition space, while visitors will also be able to experience on-water sea trials from two locations at C Pier and J Pier.
The show coincides with World Boating Day on 24 May, a new initiative that celebrates the marine lifestyle.
Highlights of the 2025 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show
The Italian-built explorer yacht Pazienza will be making its Australian debut. Valued at $40m, the 35-metre vessel is built by Cantiere delle Marche and designed by Francesco Paszkowski. Features include expansive windows, a curved profile and a sun deck. Pazienza has received recognition in the Displacement Motor Yachts – 499GT and below, 30m to 34.9m and 40m to 45.9 category at the World Superyacht Awards in Venice.
The yacht, which was sold to its Australian owner during SCIBS 2021, is also the first new vessel from the brand to arrive in the country. It is designed for long-range cruising with a range of 7,000 nautical miles.
Electric jetboards from Awake, part of the Tenders & Toys by Carbon Yachts range, will be demonstrated daily.
The show will also mark the Australian debut of the Candela C-8, a 100 per cent-electric carbon fibre hydrofoiling boat, available for sea trials at J Pier via Carbon Yachts, which also presents the Saffier SE 24 Lite solar-powered daysailer.
Volvo Penta Oceania is unveiling multiple regional firsts, including joystick control for watersports vessels and an all-new digital instrumentation range.
Hybrid power firm Integrel Solutions is making its first appearance at SCIBS this year, joining forces with Navico Group on Stand P252. This marks a significant milestone for the company, as it introduces its award-winning power and propulsion technology at a boat show in the region and to the wider APAC market for the first time.
Navico Group will also present cutting-edge tech like the Simrad NSS 4, Zeus SR by B&G, and the Recon Trolling Motor, appearing in the Southern Hemisphere for the first time.
Boat A Home, a trailerable hybrid between a caravan and a boat, will be on display. Manufactured in Queensland, this vessel is designed for off-grid travel and recreational cruising.
TMG Yachts will present the Lagoon Sixty 5 sailing catamaran in its Australian debut. TMG Yachts will also showcase the Asia-Pacific debut of the Lagoon 43, notable for its innovative side access.
Yacht Sales Co. will present models including the Fountaine Pajot Tanna 47, Dufour 44 and Elba 45, along with the Iliad 53F, awarded 2024 Multihull of the Year.
Multihull Central is debuting the Seawind 1370 in Australia — already a global bestseller — as well as the new Seawind 1170, which is gaining traction for its versatility in both local and Mediterranean cruising.
Leopard Catamarans will display the Leopard 40 Power Cat, Leopard 46 Power Cat, and Leopard 50 Sailing Cat, emphasising a combination of advanced fuel efficiency, spacious interiors and enhanced stability.
Riviera Australia will showcase new models, including the world premiere of the Riviera 72 Sports Motor Yacht Series II and the Riviera 4300 Sports Express. The Riviera 72 features an open cockpit and alfresco deck, and is fitted with high-performance systems. The Riviera 4300 uses either twin Volvo Penta IPS 600s at 440hp or IPS 650s at 480hp.
Riviera owner Rodney Longhurst says: “We are looking forward to the world premiere of two exceptional new motor yachts alongside the Riviera fleet – 12 yachts from our 22 individual model collection spanning from 39 to 78 feet.”
Longhurst describes the Riviera 4300 Sports Express as “a luxury motor yacht with a great sense of fun” and the Riviera 72 Sports Motor Yacht Series II: “our largest, grandest, most spectacular design yet”.
Maritimo will unveil two global premieres: the M50 Flybridge and S60 Sedan. Both models include a master stateroom, VIP suite, and design elements intended to support extended cruising. Features include a reconfigured galley and changes to internal step heights.
Palm Beach Motor Yachts, celebrating its 30th anniversary, will showcase the global premieres of the Grand Banks 60 and Eastbay 60. The Grand Banks 60 is designed as an ocean-going cruiser, noted for its efficiency, while the Eastbay 60 is a high-performance motor yacht combining advanced design with traditional craftsmanship.
The Lagoon Beach Club, supported by Gold Bullion Australia, Moet Hennessy Australia, GMSV and Keogh’s, will provide hospitality services.
Australian Marine Centre and Motorculture Australia will display a joint exhibit featuring a Toyota Landcruiser 79 Series paired with a Bar Crusher 670HT aluminium fishing vessel. The boat is powered by a Suzuki DF200APX outboard engine. Attendees can enter a competition to win the package by purchasing a show ticket and visiting the AMC display.
Nautique will have seven models on site, including the Super Air Nautique G23 Paragon. This model is described as combining innovation and design for wake sports use.
JSW Powersports will showcase brands such as Sea-Doo, Cobalt Boats, Sea Fox Boats, Malibu & Axis Boats, Seabob, Fliteboard and Can-Am at their display and sea trial location at C Pier.
Bentley Brisbane & Gold Coast will present its current line-up at the Bentley Suite. The display includes the new Continental GT Speed. Guests can also participate in a co-creation session with Bentley Mulliner.
FLIR will introduce the Ocean Scout Pro handheld thermal monocular. With a range of up to 500 metres, the device includes real-time imaging, single-button control and is intended for marine safety. It is distributed by Raymarine.
SCIBS continues to contribute significantly to Queensland’s economy, generating an estimated economic impact of A$445m (£213.32m), as reported by Mulpha. This includes A$431m in direct sales and A$14m in visitor spending.
As part of broader investments in marine and tourism infrastructure ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Sanctuary Cove Marina is undergoing expansion to include 25 new superyacht berths, improving capacity for future events.
Tickets to the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show are available online now.
