2024 Sydney International Boat Show dazzles Darling Harbour

Sydney International Boat Show © SIBS

That's a wrap for the 2024 Sydney International Boat Show which attracted almost 42,000 attendees through the doors of the Sydney International Convention Centre (ICC) and purpose-built marina on Cockle Bay from 1 to 4 August.

Over the four-days, the Show featured 185 exhibitors, 618 boats including 194 on the purpose-built marina on Cockle Bay and 424 in the ICC Halls across 19,030sqm.

Presented by the Boating Industry Association Ltd (BIA) in conjunction with event delivery partner, Mulpha Events, the Show took place at Sydney's iconic Darling Harbour, showcasing the best of the boating lifestyle. From the large fleet including superyachts, powerboats and sailboats on the event marina, through to a host of premium exhibitors displaying the latest trailer boats, personal watercraft, and marine technology in the exhibition halls.

The 55th Show 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

"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.

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," Mr Smith said.

This year exhibitors and attendees experienced some exciting changes, including the expanded and reconfigured exhibition space at the purpose-built marina in Cockle Bay, expansion of the Discover Sailing & Paddling Hub and entertainment stage, and additional displays and activities throughout the show precinct to enhance the overall visitor experience.

Jules Luxury managing director, Jules Legge said "it's absolutely exhilarating to see how the buzz of a boat show can propel the sale of the elusive hull number one. After months of discussions, we are thrilled to announce that our final negotiations with the very first owner of a HH Catamarans Power Cat wrapped up right at our stand during the Sydney International Boat Show. Contracts are signed, deposits are in, and we're officially on our way to launching the incredible first HH52PC."

Raymarine general manager, Damien Weber said "Raymarine and FLIR were delighted to be part of the Show once again. 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."

Edencraft International general manager, Josie Eastman said "businesses can underestimate the long term impact that the Sydney International Boat Show can have for brand awareness and sales. We came to Sydney with seven boats in 2018 and it was a catalyst for Edencraft International and really set up our brand. We are still seeing results from that Show today. It can be a big investment, but for us it plants the seed and if executed correctly can make a huge long term impact."

Jetcar Australia founder, Armando Reci said "the final day of the event marked a significant achievement for Jetcar Australia as we sold two of our innovative Jetcars, signalling a resounding success for the company. Jetcar Australia also hosted sea trials, which received an overwhelming response and resulted in a fully booked schedule. The Boat Show has been a remarkable opportunity for us to connect with the boating community and demonstrate the exceptional performance of our products."

Hot Tackle owner, Daley Martin said "we had a great time chatting to anglers of all ages and experiences about the quality of fishing and boating around the Greater Sydney area. It was particularly satisfying to get a heap of new fishing combos and lures into the hands of kids who were super eager to get out to wet a line with their families and friends. Overall, Hot Tackle had a great Show and we can't wait to come back in 2025 and see everyone again."

Malibu Sydney owner, Roy Newlan said "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."

Nicky Vaux, known in the marine industry as "The Boat Princess" said, "this year's Show has been fantastic, with more demonstrations, activations and an overall great vibe, a lot more buzzing activity all round. It has been a joy to share my knowledge about the different ways of getting into boating with the public on the Discover Sailing & Paddling Hub and help to encourage a new wave of boating enthusiasts. Another highlight for me was the BIA's Diversity Seminar and our Women in Boating event on board Shadow Charters, which created an inspirational and safe space to share our views, challenges and how we can all work together to create diversity across the industry."

Mr Smith continues, "we're delighted to work once again with our event delivery partner, Mulpha Events to produce an innovative and engaging world-class event. I have no doubt that the Sydney International Boat Show has further cemented its reputation as not only a standout event nationally but one of a limited number of internationally recognised boat shows on the global boating calendar."

The Sydney International Boat Show injects hundreds of millions of dollars into the NSW economy, creates tens of thousands of jobs and generates millions of dollars in sales and orders.

The 2025 Sydney International Boat Show will take place from 31 July to 3 August. For more information visit: www.sydneyboatshow.com.au.

The Sydney International Boat Show is presented by the Boating Industry Association Ltd (BIA) with delivery partner Mulpha Events and proudly supported by Partner in Safety - Transport for NSW, along with official event partners Century Batteries, GMSV and Walcon Marine Australia.