Best in show

Corey Rattray-Wood, Head of Events at Mulpha Events, predicts SCIBS 2025 is on track to be a record-breaker.

“We are close to 400 boats on water, which is a record number for the show,” he says. “Plus, there will be over 100 new product launches, covering everything from luxury yachts to technology and water toys.”

The new Sea Trial Precinct will be a game-changer for premium yacht buyers.

“For the first time, the expansion of the Sanctuary Cove Marina superyacht arm on J Pier, including 25 new berths, will allow high-end buyers to step aboard and experience sea trials on luxury vessels,” says Rattray-Wood.

“There will be so much that people haven’t seen before. SCIBS is an opportunity to compare products, touch and feel, and speak with the experts all in one place.”

Celebrations by the boatload

The 2025 edition is a significant year for many businesses in the yachting sphere, with many celebrating significant milestones.

First up is Ocean magazine. We are celebrating 20 years of publishing excellence after launching our very first edition at the 2005 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show. Since then, Ocean has earned its place as one of the most respected and successful international yachting titles with six issues a year, a dynamic online presence and an active role in the world boat-show circuit.

Palm Beach Motor Yachts will celebrate 30 years of exceptional motor yachts in 2025. This edition will mark Palm Beach Motor Yachts’ 26th appearance at SCIBS, which founder and CEO Mark Richards describes as a hugely important show on their calendar.

“The Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show is one of my favourite boat shows for its location, the weather and quality crowds. This year will be even more special as we celebrate our 30th anniversary with family and friends.”

The Leigh-Smith family, an Australian pioneer in boat sales and marina development, has been a foundation exhibitor since the inaugural Sanctuary Cove show in 1989.

This year, Leigh-Smith Yachts proudly celebrates 60 years in the boating business and will commemorate this milestone at SCIBS 2025, showcasing models from the Alaska brand as well as the range of choice from brands such as Hampton, Endurance, Vicem and AvA.

Britain’s largest luxury yacht builder, Princess Yachts, is also celebrating its 60^th anniversary this year. Over this time, Princess Yachts has redefined the yachting experience, blending cutting-edge technology, exquisite craftsmanship and exceptional seakeeping to produce truly iconic vessels.

On the marina

Visitors to SCIBS 2025 will be spoilt for choice when it comes to all manner of vessels – power and sail, mono and multihull. From cruising cats to luxury dayboats and everything in between, including a selection of brokerage boats, there will be more than 400 vessels moored for visitors to inspect.

Among its multi-vessel display, Riviera is planning the world premiere of two all-new luxury motor yachts – the 4300 Sports Express, which heralds a new model segment for the highly-awarded Australian brand, and even a surprise model.

Plus, the keenly awaited 2025 Riviera Festival of Boating will run over three days of the show aboard multiple Riviera yachts and in its new Academy of Enjoyment training facility.

Maritimo will host the global launch of the M50 Flybridge motor yacht and the S60 Sedan among its six-boat line-up that includes the S55 Sedan, the M75 Flybridge, the M60 Flybridge and the M55 Flybridge. They’ll also be revealing more updates on the S50 Sedan.

International brands include Beneteau, Axopar, Greenline, Princess, Cantiere delle Marche, Alaska, Benetti, Fleming, Sunseeker, Sanlorenzo, Horizon, Palm Beach, Grand Banks, Gulf Craft and many more.

Palm Beach will be displaying the Palm Beach 50 and the Palm Beach 65, while the Grand Banks team will host the global debut of the Grand Banks 60 and, for the first time, the Eastbay brand of motor yachts will be on display, with the popular Eastbay 60 an impressive example of this classic Downeast style of boat.

DCH-Marine will have two of the latest model Sunseeker motor yachts on show – the Sunseeker Predator 75, with its striking, stealth exterior and contemporary interiors, and the sporty Sunseeker Superhawk 55 with its sensational glazing and inspired design.

These impeccable craft will be complemented by DCH-Marine’s super-tender brand Saxdor, which will be represented by four popular models ranging from 2.7 metres to the 4-metre Saxdor 400 GTO that boasts side terraces, spacious cabins and twin outboards.

Horizon Yacht Australia will unveil the new FD90 hull #30 alongside a new FD80 and the sleek V74, as well as a selection of brokerage vessels. Plus, Mark Western and his team plan to reveal more details on the new FD100 Skyline.

Ray White Marine is planning a massive showcase of Italian and European-built motor yachts. From the Ferretti Group, the Ferretti 500 and Pershing 64, which comprises the latest technology and propulsion for a top speed of 46 knots, will be sure to impress.

Also on display will be a selection of the finest brokerage boats – the 30-metre Sunseeker Chaos, the Sunseeker 115 Rascal, and the 37-metre Oceanfast Evolution. With so many vessels on show, Ray White Marine will have a reinforced team from all over Australia and New Zealand on hand to welcome visitors aboard.

Guaranteed to turn heads in the superyacht section of the marina, Cantiere delle Marche’s masterpiece, the 35-metre Pazienza, is making its Australian debut at SCIBS. Paul Miletta, Regional Director Australia and New Zealand for Cantiere delle Marche says, “It is our first new boat that has arrived in Australia, with others in build for Australian clients.”

From Sanlorenzo Asia-Pacific, two exceptional custom-built beauties – the Sanlorenzo SX76, a refined crossover yacht that blends open-plan living with exceptional comfort, and the Bluegame BGX63, described as “a bold, innovative design offering seamless sea access and a unique layout tailored for adventurous owners”.

A quality line-up of brokerage vessels represented by Yachtsmen International will also be on show, featuring brands like Sunseeker, Horizon and Azzura. Plus, they’ll be showcasing their strength in charter, with their dedicated charter team on hand to discuss their insights on destinations, itineraries and charter yachts.

This year, without a vessel on the water, Gulf Craft will have a stand on the Superyacht basin and representatives from the UAE headquarters on hand to discuss models across the brands Majesty Yachts, Nomad Yachts, Oryx Sports Cruisers, Silvercraft Boats and SilverCAT Boats.

Myriad of multihulls

Multihulls, both power and sail, are a major drawcard at every Sanctuary Cove boat show given the Gold Coast’s status as the setting-off point for cruising cats heading north to the Whitsundays and on to the South Pacific.

Leading brands and dealers will be introducing their latest offerings – Aquila, Cure Marine, Dream Yacht Charters, Excess Catamarans, Iliad Catamarans, K2 Marine, Leopard Catamarans, Multihull Central, Powercat Marine, Sailfish Catamarans, Scimitar Boats, TMG Yachts, Vicsail, Voyager Catamarans, X-Plorer Yachts and Yacht Sales Co.

Vicsail will present the incredible power cat from McConaghy, the MC82p, which blends performance, comfort and cutting-edge design. They will also share details of the new Eco Panther Series – McConaghy’s electric hybrid sailing line.

Marine village

Located at the entrance of the precinct, The Pavilions present major marine brands spanning electronics, anchors and deck hardware, destinations, charter companies, refit specialists, apparel and innovative products that enhance the boating lifestyle – many will be on show for the first time, and all are displayed by industry experts keen to convey their knowledge.

Global electronics giants such as Raymarine, Navico, Garmin, Furuno and Dometic will be exhibiting alongside Australian-made products and new entrants to the market for visitors to compare, gain hands-on experience and speak with the innovators themselves.

The B2B aspect of SCIBS is another drawcard of the show, attracting dealers and distributors from across the country, New Zealand and Asia, as well as international delegations each year.

In the Marine Village, the Sports, Leisure and Fishing Precinct comprises 20,000 square metres dedicated to trailerable watercraft.

Entering the competitive RIB segment, Grand Boats will make its debut at SCIBS, displaying a diverse range of premium fibreglass boats from the Grand G380 right up to the flagship model, the versatile Grand G850.

Autophiles are also in for a treat with Bentley Brisbane & Gold Coast displaying their latest range, including the new Continental GT Speed – the most powerful Bentley ever created. Other prestigious marques include Maserati, Aston Martin, RAM, GMSV, McLaren and Lotus, lending their collective horsepower to this impressive automotive line-up.

And for those who like to take to the air, helicopter specialists Jet Aviation will return to SCIBS with an eye-catching Bell 505 Jet Ranger X. With their prominent stand on the Parkway, Jet Aviation will be able to answer questions about sales and leasing across the entire Bell range.

Don’t miss World Boating Day at SCIBS

A celebration of the people, innovations and lifestyle that make boating unforgettable, SCIBS is proud to support World Boating Day on 24 May 2025. From industry professionals to passionate enthusiasts, this worldwide initiative offers a behind-the-scenes look at boating, highlighting the expertise, technology and experiences that underpin it.

Whether you’re a seasoned boater or just discovering the lifestyle, get involved, explore and celebrate the adventure of life on the water at SCIBS. Discover more at worldboatingday.com.

Family fun

A daily schedule of free entertainment on the Main Stage, roving street performers and interactive activities for kids ensure a diverse offering to entertain the junior set.

When it comes to tempting the palate, there is a mouth-watering array of cafés, restaurants, bars and take-away premises in the Marine Village – Thai, Chinese, Greek, Mexican, Japanese, modern Australian, gelateria, bakery, a tavern and fine dining venues within the InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort.

In it to win it

Visitors to the 2025 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show have the chance to win incredible prizes simply by purchasing a ticket, no matter whether that’s General Admission or the exclusive Lagoon Beach Club VIP pass.

Prizes include a 1oz Gold Cast Bar and a 5kg Silver Cast Bar, valued at $13,000*, thanks to event partner Gold Bullion Australia. Additionally, one lucky winner will enjoy a luxurious 3-night escape for two at the world-renowned InterContinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef, valued at $5,000.

Get the app

Everything you need to know about SCIBS will be at your fingertips with the SCIBS Official Mobile App, including the Exhibitor Directory, Show Map, Entertainment Schedule and more. Available for download from 15 May.

Views and vibes

Hospitality at the Lagoon Beach Club will be top shelf. Introduced in 2024, the Lagoon Beach Club sits elegantly on the edge of the azure resort pool, offering an all-day gourmet grazing menu catered by the five-star InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort, live entertainment, superb five-star service and entry to the boat show.

This year, partners Gold Bullion Australia, Moët Hennessy and GMSV will add an extra element of luxury.

For the first time, guests will experience the exclusive Veuve Clicquot Sun Club with the famous yellow label and all-new RICH and RICH Rosé on ice and ready for the sipping.

Lagoon Beach Club access is ideal for show-goers to indulge in the VIP experience and for businesses and brands to impress clients. Open to guests 18 years and over, from 10 am to 5 pm each day.

Planning your arrival

There are several options for getting to the show – by land, air and water. Those travelling by car can use the free Park ‘n’ Ride by parking at Warner Bros. Movie World and take the coach shuttle to the show entrance, starting at 7:30 am daily.

There is limited on-site parking which can be purchased with tickets online.

The Volunteer Marine Rescue Southport on VHF Channel 7 will provide ship-to-shore transport for boat owners who moor at anchorages in the Coomera River.

Those keen to arrive in style can try Gold Coast Helitours transfers from Marina Mirage Heliport for $140 per person and $260 return. With no box office at the show, tickets to SCIBS 2025 are only available online.

sanctuarycoveboatshow.com.au