Industry participation numbers announced at Sydney show - MarineBusinessWorld Oceania newsletter
by Peter Rendle 22 Aug 2025 15:00 PDT
2025 Sydney Boat Show © Sydney Boat Show
The Boating Industry Association launched the National Recreational Boating Statement at the new-format Sydney Boat Show, Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park, to an audience of government, stakeholder and industry representatives.
BIA CEO Andrew Fielding said the report found boating participation was set to reach more than 6 million by 2030, when there would be 1 million registered boats and Australians were projected to spend $20 billion on getting out on the water in all forms of vessels and watercraft.
The Show came to a close on Sunday, capping four successful days at the Sydney Showground, attracting strong crowds and industry support. Exceeding all expectations the four days delivered an impressive 23,525 attendees through the doors. Across the event's expansive 21,000 square metres, visitors explored more than 130 exhibitors, 400 boats and thousands of accessories, gadgets and technologies. The show also cemented its role as a launchpad for innovation, with more than 16 new products revealed, including four global debuts.
Following the success of the new look Show at Sydney Olympic Park for the first time, the new two-show format has proven popular with both the boating industry and the public. Building on this momentum, the Sydney International On-Water Boat Show will be staged in Darling Harbour from 13 to 16 November, promising a spectacular festival and celebration of Australia's iconic marine lifestyle, innovation and adventure. The November show has already attracted strong industry interest.
Boating enthusiast and recent graduate apprentice shipwright Tom Ironside of Mac Marine Group, Newport, NSW, had won the BIA Apprentice of the Year award. BIA President Adam Smith said, "I'm delighted to see Tom recognised in this way by industry. At only 22, Tom has already started his second trade qualification in Engineering, having just finished his Marine Craft Construction apprenticeship; a testament to his commitment to be the very best he can."
Now in its fifth year, the Australia Fiji Rendezvous brought 17 Australian and South Pacific marine representatives to Vuda Marina and Port Denarau Marina on 14-15 August to connect with captains and crew from vessels cruising Fiji. Over two busy days the Rendezvous delivered valuable updates on Australia's world-class marine infrastructure, from marinas, shipbuilding, refit and maintenance facilities to service providers and cruising routes along the vast coastline.
Marine Rescue Merimbula's Sonia Teston and Marine Rescue Port Macquarie's Alison Cameron-Brown will join colleagues from around the globe in Sydney later this week, after being selected to take part in the International Maritime Rescue Federation's (IMRF) Women in Search and Rescue training course. This training session forms part of the IMRF's #WomenInSAR initiative, which aims to increase the representation of women in the maritime sector generally.
Freedom Boat Club, the world's largest boat club and a Brunswick Corporation business, is excited to announce the opening of its newest Australian location in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs at d'Albora Rushcutters Bay Marina, set to open on 1 October. This expansion marks a significant milestone in the Club's Australian growth, launching just two years after its debut in the region. It is strategically situated near Sydney's CBD in the vibrant Eastern Suburbs, one of the city's most densely populated areas.
Australian semi-custom yacht builder, Salt Yachts, will make its brand debut at the Cannes Yachting Festival in September, aiming to stand out from the competition as the extension of the superyacht experience. Salt Yachts was formed to "redefine the luxury dayboat and performance chase boat category".
More marine industry news from our region at www.marinebusinessworld.com/Oceania
Peter Rendle - peter.rendle@worldmarine.media