on 3 Aug 2023
The 2023 show will host over 65 global, Asia-Pacific and Australian new product launches
The 54th edition of the Sydney International Boat Show opens its doors today at ICC Sydney and Cockle Bay at Darling Harbour. The event — one of the biggest marine lifestyle events in the Pacific — runs from Thursday 3 August until Sunday 6 August 2023.
The 2022 edition of Sydney International Boat Show welcomed over 45,000 visitors, and reported strong sales after a two-year hiatus related to the pandemic. Organisers BIA and Mulpha Events, which owns and organises the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, last year signed a deal to operate the show together.
The annual show features 600 vessels and thousands of marine products, covering cruising, sailing, ski and wakeboarding, kayaking, snorkelling, fishing and more.
Both BIA and Mulpha agree that interest in boating is at an all-time high in the region, and are hoping to see an increase in visitors.
“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.”
This year there is a renewed emphasis on sailing. The BIA reports that there are more than 360 sailing clubs in Australia. The BIA’s Neil Patchett says that more than a third of the people who attend an event like the Sydney International Boat Show are ‘keen on sailing’.
In total, over 200 marine businesses from across Australia and beyond are converging at Darling Harbour for the event, alongside government agencies who will offer 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,, Beneteau, Boston Whaler, Dufour, Horizon, Lagoon Catamarans, Palm Beach, Seakeeper, SeaRay, Sunseeker, 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.
Nomad 101
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.
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.
Princess Yachts Australia returns to showcase the Princess Y72 and the V55 for the first time at the show.
Another vessel making an Australian debut at the show is the Lagoon Sixty 5, presented by TMG Yachts. Dream Yacht Worldwide will feature the new Bali 4.6 Catamaran, making its Australian boat show debut. Also making its national debut is the Catana 50 bluewater cruiser. The Elan E6 performance cruiser makes its debut at the show, with the Dufour 37 making its Asia Pacific premiere.
Catana 50
The Yacht Sails Co will also be showcasing the Fountaine Pajot Isla 40 and the larger Dufour 470.
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.
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.
The show is open 10am-7pm Thursday to Saturday (3-5 August 2023), and 10am to 5pm on Sunday 6th. Tickets are available for purchase online only, as there is no box office at the show.
The Sydney International Boat Show 2023 is open 10am–7pm from Thursday to Saturday (3-5 August 2023), and 10am to 5pm on Sunday (6 August 2023).
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