Sydney Charter Show makes strong debut, showcasing Australia as a world-class superyacht destination
by AIMEX 3 Mar 01:02 PST
22-23 February 2026
The inaugural Sydney Charter Show delivered an exceptional two-day showcase of Australia's growing superyacht charter sector, welcoming domestic and international charter brokers, and invited guests to explore an extensive display of the country's leading charter vessels.
Presented in partnership with Platinum Partners Ankor Software, Echo Yachts and Jones Bay Superyacht Marina, the Show was held on Sunday, 22 and Monday, 23 February at the revitalised Jones Bay Superyacht Marina in Sydney.
Set against Sydney's city backdrop, the Show marked an evolution of five years of the highly regarded Superyacht Australia Soirée with the extended two-day format balancing a stronger charter agency focus whilst maintaining the traditional Soirée guest experience on Sunday afternoon.
Brokers were given extended time onboard to familiarise themselves with each vessel's unique offerings, connect with captains and crew and gain firsthand insight into the diverse cruising opportunities across the region.
Cameron Bray, Chief Superyacht Guy at The Superyacht People commented on the long overdue need for the Sydney Charter Show: "Australia has been crying out for a dedicated charter show and it delivered. A chance to showcase the best of the charter fleet available for both corporate and term charters, demonstrating how Australian yachts compare on a global level. The ideal time of year in the perfect location, close to events like Sail GP and the Australian F1. I can see this becoming an international show in the future."
The docks at Jones Bay were filled to capacity, showcasing Sydney's largest, most recently launched and newly refitted superyacht charter fleet alongside heritage sailing yachts and supporting tenders. Onshore, the wharf was activated with luxury brand partners, destination representatives and superyacht service providers, creating an interactive showcase that complemented the on-water experience.
Featuring an extensive array of vessels, the show was led by Sydney's largest superyacht M/Y Mischief at 54m and the stylishly rugged 39m explorer M/Y Evolution, currently on the market with CHAPMAN Yachting. The contemporary M/Y Orraia charmed guests with its warm interiors infused with Australian-inspired elements, in contrast to the European elegance of M/Y Lady Pamela. Sailing enthusiasts gravitated to the elegant S/Y Southern Cloud and the historic S/Y Sir Thomas Sopwith, while M/Y Shore Thing drew attention with its unique luxury fishing charter expeditions.
Joey Dunleavy, Director of The Yacht Life Australia, commented on their attendance: "The Sydney Charter Show was an important platform for us to showcase EMPIRE as she enters the Australian charter market. It allowed us to actively engage with industry brokers, revisit the Australian fleet on behalf of our clients, and reconnect with captains and crew to ensure we continue delivering firsthand insight and trusted recommendations when curating charter experiences. The quality of attendance this year was exceptional and reinforces the increasing demand for professionally managed charter programs in the region."
Along the wharf, guests enjoyed Sullivans Cove Tasmanian whiskey tastings, MexInk margaritas and SJD Wines while being entertained by Scotty Sax on saxophone and bongos as they explored the onshore exhibitors.
Pearls of Australia's interactive stand invited guests to sample oysters, reveal pearls and learn about the rich history of pearl cultivation across Australia. Tax Navigate engaged attendees with expert insights into superyacht taxation and marine sector compliance, while Fiji's Port Denarau Marina and the Superyacht Group Great Barrier Reef, alongside exhibiting partners Coral Sea Marina and Hamilton Island Marina, showcased their services and shared cruising itineraries highlighting Australia and Fiji's most spectacular destinations.
David Good, CEO of Superyacht Australia, commented: "The inaugural Sydney Charter Show sets a new benchmark for the superyacht industry in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region. It was fantastic to see such engagement from both exhibitors and guests and to witness Australia's fleet presented on a world-class stage. Events like this continue to grow interest in superyacht chartering, strengthening our position as a leading destination for owners and charter guests alike."
As the first day of the Show drew to a close, 41 Captains gathered for a private dinner at Salu at Jones Bay Wharf. Set against the backdrop of Sydney Harbour, the evening provided a relaxed opportunity to share experiences, whilst strengthening the relationships and collaborative spirit that Australia's superyacht community is renowned for.
Sydney Charter Show Charity Partner, The International SeaKeepers Society, attended the two-day show, with Melissa White, Director of South Pacific affirming a successful experience for their organisation; "SeaKeepers was honoured to be the charity partner for the inaugural Sydney Charter Show and Australian Superyacht Conference. The opportunity to connect directly with vessels and share our mission was invaluable, resulting in eight vessels signing up to participate in ocean research initiatives. The exposure generated through this event has been significant for us, and we look forward to supporting and growing alongside it in the years to come."
The Sydney Charter Show was followed by the Australian Superyacht Conference, held in Sydney for the first time, bringing together many of the Show's participating charter agencies, captains along with the supporting shipyards and service providers, offering an extended and invaluable opportunity to connect and discuss opportunities supporting the continued growth of Australia's superyacht sector.
Chris Blackwell, Sales and Marketing Manager of Echo Yachts, Chair of Superyacht Australia and Platinum Partner of both events, affirmed the importance of the event; "The Sydney Charter Show and Australian Superyacht Conference represent an important step forward for our industry. Events like this are essential to driving growth, strengthening collaboration, and ensuring Australia remains competitive in a rapidly evolving global market. By bringing owners, captains, industry leaders and international stakeholders together, we are building networks and relationship's, sharing knowledge and positioning Australia as a serious and strategic player in the superyacht sector."
Aligning the Sydney Charter Show and Australian Superyacht Conference with SailGP in Sydney, and ahead of the Melbourne Formula 1 Grand Prix, created an added incentive for international representatives to attend. Representatives travelled from Austria, the Cook Islands, Fiji, Greece, Hong Kong, Indonesia, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Turkey, the United Kingdom and the United States to take advantage of the opportunity.
Together, the events reinforced Australia's increasing momentum within the global charter market, highlighting the strength of industry collaboration and the nation's expanding capability to support world-class superyacht operations, with the Sydney Charter Show positioned to become a feature on the international charter calendar.
Superyacht Australian extends our gratitude to each of the Partners, Brokers, Exhibitors and Vessels who make the Sydney Charter Show possible.
Platinum Partners: Ankor Software, Echo Yachts, Jones Bay Superyacht Marina,
Gold Partners: Bali Gapura Marina, Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show
Silver Partners: Asia Pacific Superyacht Association, Benetti Yachts, Maritime Cook Islands, Port Denarau Marina, Fiji, Sevenstar Yacht Transport, The Superyacht People
Charity Partner: The International SeaKeepers Association
Exhibiting Vessels: Belle, Chaos, Cheeky, Double, Evolution, Empire, Ginger, Lady Pamela, Legacy, Little Perle, Lumir, Mischief, Oneworld, Orraia & Orraia Tender, Rascal, Rhemtide, Shore Thing, Sir Thomas Sopwith, Southern Cloud, Topaz
Exhibitors: Ankor Software, Docherty Marine, Echo Yachts, Gineico, Horizon Built, Illy Coffee, Mantaray Marina, MexInk, Pearls of Australia, Quality Marine Clothing, Shoreside Clothing, Southern Wind, Sullivans Cove, SuperYacht Group Great Barrier Reef, Tax Navigate