This highly-anticipated event promised and delivered a stellar showcase of the boating lifestyle, with a large fleet of luxury yachts and sailboats on the water and a host of premium exhibitors displaying the latest trailer boats and extensive demonstrations of marine technology.

Held in both the International Convention Centre Sydney across three levels and on the waters of Cockle Bay, the show was an epic display of all things recreational maritime. With more than 200 boats on the water and over 37,000m2 of land-based exhibitor space, all of it surrounded by some of Sydney’s best restaurants, there was a carnival-like atmosphere every day.

In Australia, one in 10 people hold a boat license, and almost one in five households in New South Wales (NSW) own a boat or a watercraft. With these statistics, there is little doubt boating is a leading pastime for Australians, nationally and in the state of NSW. Over the past 12 months boat registrations in the state grew by a whopping 18,500. And this doesn’t include countless nonpowered watercraft such as stand-up paddleboards, canoes, kayaks and sailing dinghies people bought for their healthy lifestyle benefits.

Further, to highlight the Industry Association’s commitment to growing the industry into the future, a Careers Day was hosted on the show’s opening day, attended by approximately 300 students eager to hear from marine experts and learn more about job opportunities within the boating industry.

This year’s show also included a dedicated dive section where visitors could take a deep dive into the underwater world of scuba diving. Whether a certified diver or a curious novice, there was an array of exhibitors with all the gear and information needed to enjoy diving for business, research, conservation or recreation.

Big shows like this are typically when new boats are launched to the public, and this show certainly delivered on that front. The new Iliad 62 was released globally at SIBS, with buyers flying in from USA, Asia and Australasia to view her.

ILIAD Catamarans CEO Mark Elkington told me that “By the close of day two, the ILIAD 62 on display had been sold to three different clients already,” adding that a further two ILIAD 53 catamarans were also sold at the Show. “We expected strong interest in this new release and knew we had a market-changing design, so the endorsement by the market is very pleasing,” he said.

Glenn Frettingham, from the marine equipment company Twin Disc Pacific, was ecstatic with this year’s show. He reported that his team completed more demonstrations of its Seakeeper 1 stabilisation device, Twin Disc Quickshift and Express Joystick System than at any past show anywhere.

The latest innovations from Sunseeker, Princess, Fairline, Fleming, Windcraft, Palm Beach Motor Yachts, Whitehaven, Beneteau, and Hanse were all present. Also the latest engines, marine technology and gear from Volvo Penta, Mercury Marine, FLIR Maritime, Garmin, Raymarine, Dometic, Navico and GME – and more new flooring options than I’ve ever seen in one place!

One of the largest display stands, and indeed one that had the crowd talking thanks to a stunning Rolls Royce floating on the water, was Ray White Marine’s exhibit. This display had several high-end craft we rarely see in New Zealand waters. The collection included a beautiful and reportedly very fast Pershing 64 from the Forli district in Italy, which is said to be “piloted like a fighter jet or racing car, rather than simply driven.”

It also included a couple of extraordinary Riva models, along with a wide range of magnificent Category-A Ferretti Yachts. The latter included the Australian Premiere of the Ferretti Yachts 720, a heavily customised new model boasting a stunning open flybridge and four expansive five-star cabins ably demonstrating what Ferretti can achieve.

Seasoned boaters and newcomers alike embraced the 2022 Sydney International Boat Show, enticed by hundreds of boats on display, cutting-edge gear, 17 Australian, Asia-Pacific and Global product launches, on-water demonstrations, an entire programme of boating, fishing and marine education sessions, a raft of roving entertainment, mermaids, musicians and a few days bathed in sunshine. In total, SBIBS 2022 welcomed over 45,000 visitors over the five days.

If you like boats, then this is a must-see show. The next one is already booked into my boating calendar, with the 54th Sydney International Boat Show returning for 3 – 7 August 2023 at the ICC Sydney and Cockle Bay. So, book those flights today and enjoy a few days in downtown Sydney! BNZ

STRONG SALES AT CELEBRATION OF BOATING

Exhibitors were full of praise for the 53rd Sydney International Boat Show, reporting strong sales and genuine leads through the five-day event.

Four BIA Stand Awards were presented on Friday to Short Marine (Best Stand on Marina), Navico (Best Small Stand in Halls), Sirocco (Best Large Stand in Halls) and Mercury Marine (Best Overall Stand).

Boating Industry Association (BIA) President Andrew Fielding said his industry was proud to have stepped up and delivered the 53rd edition of the Sydney International Boat Show, welcoming more than 45,000 visitors over the show’s five days.

“The BIA is proud to be back in this harbour city with the Sydney International Boat Show. Two years of cancellations disrupted what was up until that time an extraordinary run of boat shows,” he said.

“It was great to see the crowds in the tens of thousands of people over the past few days, enjoying the opportunity to get out and ignite their passion for boating and all that a boat show like this offers.”

He said it was also great to see the ripple effect of the show where cafes, bars and restaurants across the precinct enjoyed the benefits of the return of what is a worldrenowned boat show.