Boat Show updates from Sydney and Melbourne - MarineBusinessWorld Oceania newsletter
by Peter Rendle 1 May 14:00 PDT
Sydney Boat Show © Boating Industry Association
The 2025 Sydney Boat Show is here and exhibitor applications are now open. Taking place from 14 to 17 August at the Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park, this exciting new event format puts the marine industry front and centre in a highly accessible location in the geographic heart of Sydney.
This is your opportunity to showcase your brand, connect with engaged audiences, and be part of a new platform for Australia's marine industry.
Further south, the Boating Industry Association of Victoria (BIAV) has formally announced the Melbourne Boat Show will be held from 16-19 October at Docklands. This decision follows an extensive review process, which included consultation with major boat dealers/exhibitors, an online exhibitor conference, a site visit to a potential alternate venue, and a survey of major boat dealers/exhibitors. BIAV CEO Steve Walker thanked each of the 45 or so participants who, representing the broader exhibitor group, contributed to this process.
Held in Queensland, the Marina Industries Association (MIA) has announced that exhibition space for its Marinas26 International Conference and Trade Exhibition is now 80% sold. With only limited spaces available, it is expected that the exhibition will sell out completely in the coming months, and the MIA recommends that any business interested in exhibiting make contact now.
Two of Australia's leading industry groups in outdoor recreation spanning boating and fishing today joined forces. The CEOs of the Boating Industry Association (BIA) and Australian Fishing Trade Association (AFTA) have signed an agreement to work closer together. BIA CEO, Andrew Fielding, said it was momentous agreement that recognises the importance of boat-based fishing in Australia. "We have worked together informally over recent years in the area of advocacy to government and we already have a foundation of good collaboration with AFTA, now we can take that to another level for the benefit of our members and public."
From Europe, Mark Jardine took a look inside the Spirit yard and what makes their yachts unique. Traditional skills in boatbuilding could be regarded as a lost art from a bygone era. In the world of fibreglass and carbon, the joinery and laminating techniques of wood ribs and cedar strips are a thing of the past. But a visit to Ipswich Haven Marina shows this is far from the case, and the masterpieces that roll out show that the skills and craft needed are very much alive and kicking.
Also from Europe, Beneteau, the world's leading marine brand, has announced an overhaul of their Gran Turismo range to create a new generation of luxury 'Crossover Express Cruisers' that better meets the evolving needs of their customers. The ambitious plans will see the launch of three new models in just six months: the Gran Turismo 35, the Gran Turismo 40 and the Gran Turismo 50.
Back in New South Wales, more than 80 Marine Rescue NSW volunteers from the South Coast will take part in a simulated live activation, real-time, multi-agency search and rescue exercise (SAREX) this Saturday (3 May). Seven vessels and volunteers from six Marine Rescue NSW units (Batemans Bay, Tuross Moruya, Narooma, Bermagui, Merimbula and Eden) will converge on two major search areas along the coast to locate numerous objects offshore associated with a simulated on-water emergency.
And for sailors, The Yacht Sales Co. has announced its role as the major sponsor of the Musket Cove Fiji Regatta, set to take place from 12-16 September. Recognised as one of the most iconic events on the Pacific cruising calendar, the Regatta promises a spectacular week of racing, social events and unforgettable island hospitality. Held in the heart of Fiji's breathtaking Mamanuca Island group, the Regatta draws yachties and sailing enthusiasts from across the globe.
Peter Rendle - peter.rendle@worldmarine.media