Sydney International Boat Show closes smaller 2024 edition

The 2024 Sydney International Boat Show has closed its 55th edition. From 1 to 4 August, almost 42,000 attendees passed through the Sydney International Convention Centre (ICC) and the purpose-built marina on Cockle Bay.

Over its four days, the show featured 185 exhibitors and 618 boats, including 194 in the marina and 424 in the ICC Halls across 19,030 sqm. Exhibitors and organisers have hailed the event as a success, despite a roughly 10 per cent dip in attendance and exhibitors compared to 2023. Last year’s event welcomed almost 47,000 visitors and had over 200 exhibitors showing 646 boats, including 220 vessels on the marina — the show’s largest on-water display since 2018.

The Sydney Boat Show 2024 saw a number of highlights and firsts, including:

• 44 Asia-Pacific and Australian premieres and launches.
• 618 boats on display in the ICC Halls and Cockle Bay Marina.
• More than 19,000sqm of indoor exhibitor space.
• More than 10 industry forums with attendees including government decision-makers, members of the NSW Parliament, heads of national maritime regulatory agencies and major non-government organisations involved in the boating sector.
• Collaboration and activations with the Australian National Maritime Museum including HMAS Advance joining the Show for the first time.
• Collaboration and activations with the Australian Melanoma Institute of Australia.

The Sydney International Boat Show is presented by the Boating Industry Association Ltd (BIA) in conjunction with Mulpha Events.

“From launching new products to market, strengthening brand awareness and addressing issues facing the industry, through to converting sales, from fishing rods to superyachts, over the last four days the show has provided the backdrop and opportunity for all of this plus so much more,” says BIA president Adam Smith.

“Last weekend has been further testament that the Sydney International Boat Show continues to be a must on the international boating events calendar, and is now also a lifestyle event for everyone from the young to the young at heart.”

Other changes this year included the expanded and reconfigured exhibition space at the marina in Cockle Bay, and the expansion of the Discover Sailing & Paddling Hub and entertainment stage.

“Raymarine and FLIR were delighted to be part of the show once again,” says Raymarine general manager, Damien Weber. “Our presence on the marina allows us to directly engage with our customers and demonstrate our latest technology. The live demonstrations of the Raymarine Cyclone radar and FLIR M364C-LR thermal camera attracted significant interest, particularly showcasing FLIR Thermal when the sun goes down. The show remains a great opportunity for us to strengthen our connections within the boating community and showcase our commitment to innovation and excellence.”

Malibu Sydney owner, Roy Newlan, adds: “Our first show has been a great success. We had a busy stand and sales have been good throughout, overall the interest has exceeded our expectations and it looks like we will have a few custom TXI 25’s after the Saturday demo. We can’t wait to come back next year.”

The 2025 Sydney International Boat Show will take place from 31 July to 3 August.

Stay informed about upcoming boat shows and marine events scheduled for the coming months.