Sydney International Boat Show opens tomorrow
The 54th edition of the Sydney International Boat Show opens its doors tomorrow (3 August 2023) at ICC Sydney and Cockle Bay at Darling Harbour, running through the weekend until Sunday (6 August 2023).
The event is the second to take place under a deal signed last year between the Boating Industry Association (BIA) and Mulpha Events, which owns and organises the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show.
The 2022 edition welcomed over 45,000 visitors, and reported strong sales after a two-year hiatus. Organisers BIA and Mulpha Events are hoping to exceed that, with interest in boating currently riding high across the region.
“The Sydney International Boat Show again responds to the tremendous enthusiasm Australians have for spending time in and around the water,” says Andrew Fielding, president of the Boating Industry Association. “With hundreds of boats on display and all the gear to go along with them, this special event showcases the many ways individuals and families can get out on the water.”
The show is one of the biggest marine lifestyle events in the Pacific, featuring 600 vessels and thousands of marine products, covering cruising, sailing, ski and wakeboarding, kayaking, snorkelling, fishing and more.
This year there is a particular emphasis on sailing. The BIA reports that there are more than 360 sailing clubs in Australia, and the BIA says more than a third of the people who attend an event like the Sydney International Boat Show are ‘keen on sailing’. Up to five million Australians enjoy recreational time on or around the water each year.
In total, over 200 marine businesses from across Australia and beyond are converging on Darling Harbour for the event, alongside government agencies giving updates on the regulations and safeguards in place to protect the state’s waterways.
The 2023 show will host over 65 global, Asia-Pacific and Australian new product launches. The marina alone will showcase more than 215 boats, an increase on the number of on-water vessels presented at the pre-covid 2019 show.
Over 400 major global marine brands, including Aquila, Azimut, Bavaria, Beneteau, Boston Whaler, Dufour, Elan, Grady White, Horizon, ILIAD Catamarans, Integrity, Lagoon Catamarans, Palm Beach, Seakeeper, SeaRay, Sunseeker, Tofinou, and hundreds more are at the marina, along with Chapman Marine, who are presenting their biggest display in 30 years, with vessels ranging from AU$145,000, up to AU$1 million. Chapman also brings news of its latest flagship model, the Scout 67LX Series, launching in early 2024.
Highlights at the show this year include Gulf Craft’s newest adventure yacht – Nomad 101 — making its Australian debut, after making its world premiere at the Dubai International Boat Show in March 2023.
Vicsail returns to the show in 2023, with the Australian premiere of the Vicem 55 Classic.
Australian and New Zealand dealer Eyachts is set to make a splash with its biggest showcase on record, featuring three brands: Rand, Axopar, and Pardo.
Sirocco Marine will be the largest exhibitor in the ICC with a massive range of RIBs from BRIG — returning to Australia after a year as a result of production shutdown because of war.
Meanwhile, Princess Yachts Australia returns to the show and is showcasing the Princess Y72 and the V55 for the first time at the show.
Within the halls, visitors can explore brands including Bar Crusher, BRIG, Dometic, Dunbier, Fliteboard, Garmin, Highfield, Hobie, Lowrance, Mastercraft, Malibu, Mercury, Nautique, Quintrex, Sea-Doo, Stabicraft, Surtees, Suzuki, Yamaha, Volvo Penta and hundreds more, including Sea Legs.
New for 2023, the Discover Sailing and Paddling Hub and Stage offers visitors everything needed for a great day out on the water, powered either by sail, or by yourself, with advice and insights from some of Australia’s foremost sailing and paddling experts including three-time Olympic medallist Mathew Belcher.
The Suzuki Suzumar Main Stage hosts the Boat Show Fishing Masterclasses, where anglers can learn all the tips and tricks for landing ‘the big one’ from some of Australia’s leading fishing experts.
There are also prizes to be won, including a Hobie Heritage stand-up paddle board valued at AU$1,299 being given away every day of the show at the Discover Sailing and Paddle Hub.
Transport for NSW also presents the Boating Safety Zone with information on how to remain safe on the water.
The show is open 10am to 7pm Thursday to Saturday, and 10am to 5pm on Sunday. Tickets can be purchased online only, and there is no box office at the show.
