Sydney International Boat Show set for busy time

With just one week to go before the 52nd Sydney International Boat Show (SIBS) opens, the build-up to this – the biggest southern hemisphere marine leisure event – suggests it will be a busy five-day gathering. The IFBSO event, organised by the Boating Industry Association (BIA) and running from August 1-5, 2019, will combine around 180 craft afloat at Cockle Bay Marina in Darling Harbour, and have two indoor exhibition halls, including a Dive Expo in the adjoining international convention centre.

SIBS 2019 will have some 300 exhibitors and 500 brands of all types of craft, from small boats up to superyachts and everything that goes with them. The fleet of around 180-plus boats and yachts afloat includes motor and sailing yachts and power and sailing catamarans.

Alongside all the key Australian manufacturers, SIBS 2019 will also include a very strong representation of international brands. As part of this, the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) in the US and the Polish Investment & Trade Agency will participate in national stands.

A special USA Pavilion will be the base of a number of NMMA members. Collectively, NMMA members manufacture an estimated 80% of marine products used in North America, and hope to be able to secure a further presence and visibility in Australia by participating at SIBS 2019.

“Since Australia remains one of the top export markets for US-manufactured products and boats, the NMMA has selected the Sydney International Boat Show as our chosen platform for showcasing some of the best that our US industry has to offer to the Australian market,” says Julie Balzano with the NMMA. “The USA Pavilion will highlight manufacturers and boatbuilders looking for new customers and B2B partners in Australia.”

The Polish Pavilion will promote the Polish yacht and boat sector among Australians at the show. “More than 95% of maritime production in Poland is intended for export,” commented Magdalena Kaszewska-Suchocka with the Polish Investment and Trade Agency. “Our yachts and boats are associated with an exceptional reputation for reliability. This is our second year exhibiting at the Sydney International Boat Show, and buyers of luxury goods, not just from Europe but also from all around the world, appreciate our Polish standards and dedication to quality.”

As to domestic boat and yacht brands, Maritimo, Riviera, Clipper Yachts, Integrity, Whitehaven, Seawind, Longreef, Palm Beach, Iliad and McConaghy will all be present. There will be a series of Sydney show premieres including four from Riviera.

Regarding Maritimo, the brand’s international expansion strategy is well-advanced and the company is on track to see a significant increase in sales in Europe, the Americas and the Middle East with its dealer partner network the strongest it has ever been. Following strong sales at the recent Sanctuary Cove boat show in May, and a doubling of sales in the Americas in the past 12 months, Maritimo now has a forward order pipeline filled through to 2021. At SIBS 2019, CEO Garth Corbitt will provide an update of the company’s growth strategy.

International brands will include Bavaria, Groupe Beneteau (all 11 brands), Ferretti with Pershing, Riva, Ferretti Yachts and Itama, Gulf Craft with Majesty and Nomad, Princess, Fairline, Sunseeker, Absolute, Azimut, Axopar, Hanse, Dufour, Dehler and more.

For those who are planning their boat show visits well ahead, the Sydney show has listed its dates up to 2035.