Adding to the size and substance of SIBS this year will be a bonus to all those with an interest in diving. The well-known Australia International Dive Expo will be part of the show.

Organisers say research indicates that 15 percent of all SIBS visitors have an interest in diving, so the sector’s representation will be a boost for those with a passion for the pastime.

There is a raft of other planned presentations and activities. Statistics show more than half of those attending the show are keen anglers, thus, the Fishing Clinic will return with a small twist; This year will see the introduction of the Fishing Master Class. The session can be joined at any time by passers-by and they can stay for as little or as long as they like. 

Other show features include displays by the Australian National Maritime Museum and an impressive array of historic vessels.

Photographers of all genres have entered a photography competition hosted by Australian Photography Magazine with the best of the best on display, alongside an exhibition from master photographer Andrea Francolini.

Newcomers to boating can prepare for their journey by visiting the “My First Boat” precinct. Hosted by Radio personality Geoff Moxam and Cricketing Legend Lenny Pascoe, the My First Boat centre will help those new to the lifestyle to lay the foundation of knowledge to help take their first steps into the recreational boating world, whether that’s introducing your children to sailing, syndication, or buying your first cruising boat.

For those with a sense of adventure, be sure to stop by and meet Michelle Lee, who aims to be the first Australian woman to row across the Atlantic. See her boat, try a rowing machine and meet her trainer and mentor, Andrew Abraham who himself successfully completed the journey in world record time.

Boating Safety is at the core of the organisers charter, so again the event welcomes Transport for NSW as the Shows Partner in Safety. Situated on the upper level, the Boating Safety Zone will be a hub of information. The Boating Safety zone is a must visit location to get the latest information on how to make the most of your time of the water.

On the marina, Maritimo will be a major drawcard at the 50th Sydney International Boat Show and is planning both pre and post show events in what is its most comprehensive commitment to the NSW market it recent times.

Maritimo is hosting the international launch of its sleek new S70 sedan cruiser, the largest single level vessel the company has ever produced.

Boasting a top speed of almost 30 knots and with handling the equivalent of a large runabout the S70 is luxury, style and performance personified. The first S70 has been delivered to its New Zealand based owners and Maritimo expects the model will be a strong sales performer, particularly in European markets.

Maritimo’s International Sales and Marketing Manager, Greg Haines, said the beamy vessel has plentiful entertaining and living space and being single level it provides additional height in the main cabin with almost two metres of headroom. Haines said the vessel has been highly customised by its owner and features satin dark teak timbers throughout.

“The galley is something to be seen with the timbers selected and it features Miele appliances,” he said. “The vessel has a painted hull in a champagne gold colour and it also has a Seakeeper gyro and ZF joystick with I- Anchor technology. It features an extra-large sunroof and has a hydraulic swim platform for tender storage.

“We think this vessel will have broad appeal not only to Australian buyers, but particularly in Europe.”

From the centre of the marina, Maritimo will showcase a range of models that epitomise the design mastery, unrivalled engineering and cutting-edge innovation that the brand has become famous for.

The Maritimo display at the Sydney International Boat Show will showcase the M51, M54, M59 and M70 cruising motor yachts and the S59 sedan cruiser as well as the S70 and a preview of its latest innovation, the new X60 sports cruiser, a dramatic reworking of the Elandra brand.

Four additional boats will be on display and with international dealer partners and consultants from around the globe on site with factory craftsmen, buyers will be able to gain a rare insight into the design and craftsmanship behind Maritimo motor yachts.

Maritimo will also host its own exclusive events during the show with a range of luxury brand partners.

Riviera Motor Yachts will host the world premiere of the Riviera 68 Sports Motor Yacht among its line-up of nine motor yachts.

According to Riviera owner and Chairman Rodney Longhurst “The vision for the Riviera 68 Sports Motor Yacht came about as a collaboration of our customers and senior design team working together through a series of 3D computer modelled presentations considering what the Riviera of the future could look like and how it could function.

“It’s a unique blend of our proven history and future meeting together to give our long-term customers their ultimate yacht.

“The owners we spoke with were seeking a true blue-water yacht that combines long range performance with a good turn of speed when its needed, with the ability to fish, dive, or provide the perfect platform to completely relax with family and friends.

“The Sports Motor Yacht is very versatile with luxury finishes and a practical usability that allows for extended voyaging wherever their cruising dreams take them.”

Riviera’s display at Cockle Bay in the heart of Sydney will also showcase a range of Riviera Sport Yachts – the 6000, 5400 and 4800 – as well as the adventurous 525 and 445 SUV models. The offshore 52 Enclosed Flybridge model and 43 Open Flybridge will also be on display.”

The Belize display will include a detailed presentation of the marque’s latest classically-styled motor yacht, the Belize 66, which has recently been announced. The display will also showcase the 54 Daybridge model.
Rodney Longhurst said: “We are thrilled with the development of this new collection of Riviera motor yachts that will showcase our world-class design and the skills of our master crafts teams.”

British brand, Sunseeker will have its prominent stand on the marina in the immense floating reception venue, Sydney Glass Island. On display will be the Sunseeker 57 Predator, which dealer Brad Rodgers describes as “a sports cruiser that at 60-feet is a great medium sized boat and excellent for Sydney Harbour and coastal cruising”.

“The 57 Predator features a lockable glass sliding door which seamlessly drops down into the hull to provide a free-flowing open area between cockpit and salon, ideal for entertaing,” said Brad.

Also on show, the Sunseeker Manhattan 65, a four-cabin flybridge model with spacious aft deck and saloon, stabilisers and excellent amenities, it’s perfect for entertaining and long-range cruising.

Q7 Marine will have the brand new Numarine 62 HT, which is hull number 1 making its world debut at SIBS. Paul Miletta, dealer principal at Q7 biggest volume 62-foot hard top on the market and something very unique.

“Its enormous glazing and bow lounge make it a stunning entertainer and ideal for Australian boating lifestyle.”

Launching at SIBS, the Australian-designed and made Salacia Yachts, with the first model the A34. The ideal dayboat, the deep-V hulled A34 was designed by Andy Dovell and has all the appointments of a classically-crafted timber cruiser.

Built at Nowra on the NSW south coast, the Salacia Yachts A34 combined “timeless lines and handcrafted workmanship from Australia’s leading shipwrights with the very latest marine technology”.

Australian Superyachts, representing Gulf Craft will have the impressive Majesty 122 raised pilot house, MY GHOST II on display, testament to its part in the design and construction of this superb 122-foot charter vessel.

GHOST II is considered the most technically advanced motor yacht to enter charter in Australia, featuring two large decks for entertaining up to 120 guests, spacious flybridge with Jacuzzi and onboard Chef.

Also on show for Australian Superyachts, the Nomad 65, which director, Richard Morris described as “The go-anywhere compact cruiser”.

The Nomad 65 is designed to meet an emerging market demand for yachts that enable comfortable long-distance sea travel. It is the first semi-displacement yacht by Gulf Craft, built to be a luxurious yet powerful mode of transport. Engineered using the most sophisticated technology, the Nomad 65 allows seafarers to confidently sail the world’s waters from the luxury of their own yacht.

Australian-made Palm Beach Motor Yachts will be showing the PB55 Dolce Vita, alongside the all new hull number 1 of the Grand Banks 60, the brand’s model that represents the results of 60 years of boatbuilding expertise and the EB44 from the company’s Eastbay series.

From Ensign Ship Brokers, the Italian-built Sanlorenzo 106 will turn heads. This fully-customised superyacht boasts eight guests in four staterooms, plus four to five crew cabins, and a lavish Beach Club on the transom with spa and gym.

Also from Ensign, which is proud to present its largest on-water display ever, the NISI 2400 80’ called ‘NISI’, which is destined to enter the charter market on Sydney Harbour in time for summer.

Ensign’s line-up in the Bavaria power range comprises five brand new models: the R40, E40, S45, S40 and Virtess coupe, along with the S36 and S33, plus a host of sailing boats under the Bavaria and Italia brands.

From Ray White Marine, dealers for the Ferretti Group brands, the Pershing 64 will be a dazzling addition to their line-up. They will also host the Australian launch of the Technohull line with two 999s on show.

“SIBS is truly our major international boat show and our prime showcase to display both our Ferretti Group products (Riva, Pershing and Ferretti) and our new high performance RIB brand Technohull – recently announced as the fastest superyacht tender in the world,” said Brock Rodwell.

“Each year we host an intimate VIP cocktail evening for our existing clients and top-tier partners, including Ferrari who is closely aligned with our flagship brand Riva and will be displaying the new GTC4Lusso at our hospitality suite.”

Leigh-Smith Yachts will present British band Fairline this yea, with the 48 Targa on display. Ryan Leigh-Smith reports the company has two 48s in build – a flybridge and a GT enclosed Targa – both due for delivery in time for SCIBS 2018.

As Australian importers of Monte Carlo powerboats and Monte Carlo Yachts, Sundance Marine will host the debut of the much-anticipated Monte Carlo 6 in Sydney, a 60-foot (18.22m) luxury cruiser. Sundance Marine Director David Beck said “The Monte Carlo 6 has already proven extremely popular worldwide, she’s fantastic for waterways such as Sydney Harbour, and she’s a must see at this year’s Sydney Show.”

The bespoke custom luxury of Monte Carlo Yachts will also be on show in the form of the Monte Carlo Yachts 70 with its gold hull.

New to Sundance Marine is the range of Italian-made Invictus supertenders, the 280 GT, 280 TT and 240 FX. The range offers leisure boats including the inboard-outboard options perfect for leisure and cruising as well as for the technical and sporty. Invictus is also ideal as a luxury tender, they’re the perfect match for any luxury motor yacht or for outside water front properties. Features such as customisable bow areas, below deck space and innovative integrated fenders are just some of the examples of Invictus taking the category to new places.

On display from Horizon Motor Yachts Australia are the E84 and E56XO Sports Yacht, a model specifically designed and engineered for the Australian market.

The Horizon E84 is 90-feet in length and can be customised by selecting from a variety of design options to transform this stylish yacht into a spacious and comfortable family retreat or a luxurious cruising yacht.

With its generous 20-foot beam and massive array of features, the Horizon E84 possesses all the attributes of a world-class luxury superyacht.

Celebrating its own milestone 30th anniversary in 2017, Horizon Yachts stated they are “thrilled to be a part of the 50th Sydney International Boat Show and to celebrate we are offering Special Boat Show discounts on our display vessels which will be announced during the show”.

“We are also offering 15 percent off the Retail price for all Yacht Controllers purchased at the show. We have been exhibiting now at the Sydney Show for over 10 years and look forward to exhibiting for many more.”

Among the launches and standout products in the new ICC, the global debut of the “game changing BRIG Eagle 10” – hailed as the most exciting model in the brand’s history – has attracted the world’s media to SIBS. Sirocco Marine will host the world premiere of this 10.5m versatile RIB which boasts two 300hp engines for a top speed of 50 knots, a deep-V-hull for a dry, smooth ride and is described as “virtually unsinkable due to its carbon fibre Hypalon tubes”.

Onboard, the creature comforts include bench seating, a convertible table and sun deck, a sink unit that can accommodate a fridge/stove, a convenient stern swim platform with folding ladder and outdoor shower kit, plus a well-appointed cabin with double bed.

From eyachts, part of the Windcraft Group, the Fjord 36 Xpress is has a two-person cabin and two 350hp outboard engines which are perfect for shallow water a top speed of 45 knots.

The table and aft bench can be lowered, converting into a sun terrace with a bar, refrigerators and direct access to the water.

Ocean Media along with Ocean, Sails, Offshore Yachting and the Great Southern Route magazines, will be stepping up our presence, launching the Ocean Club on board the Sydney charter vessel Coast.

With top-tier sponsors including Gold Coast City Marina, Benetti Yachts, Analu, ExecuJet and Langton’s Wines, we are offering a VIP club, located in a prime position on the marina amongst all the action.

By day, operating as a business lounge for owners and Captains to relax and enjoy their hospitality, then by 5pm, transforming into a club for VIPs to mingle and network.

You will of course still be able to pick up your favourite magazines; Ocean, Sails and Offshore Yachting during the show, and also on offer are special 1-year subscription offers when renewing or starting your subscription to each magazine, including Coast New Zealand Picnic Bags and the chance to win a Zodiac RIB tender.

The 50th Sydney International Boat Show runs 3 to 7 August. Halls open from 10am to 8pm and the marina from 10am to 7pm.

These and many more boats will be on water and in the ICC, along with nav equipment and electronics, apparel, accessories, watertoys, destinations, books and much more.

For a full list visit www.sydneyboatshow.com.au/whats-on/exhibitors/