The Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show (SCIBS) 2025 is shaping up to be another significant event on the marine industry calendar. Taking place from 22–25 May 2025, the show remains one of the most influential in the Southern Hemisphere, offering insights into the latest trends in boating, marine technology, and luxury lifestyle.
Featuring superyachts, family boats, cutting-edge tech, and VIP experiences, SCIBS attracts 47,000 visitors, 300 exhibitors, and 740 boats. It continues to be a major economic driver for the Australian boating industry. The 2024 edition generated $445 million for Queensland’s economy, including $431 million in direct industry sales and $14 million in visitor spending (source: SCIBS 2024 report).
For New Zealand’s marine sector, SCIBS provides an opportunity to gauge industry developments, connect with Australian and international manufacturers, identify where potential collaborations or sales channels may emerge, and observe how consumer demand is shaping product innovation. With exhibitor spaces filling at record speed (80% at the beginning of this month) and several new initiatives on the agenda, SCIBS 2025 will offer a clear snapshot of the industry’s current trajectory.
The event has expanded its infrastructure to accommodate growth in the luxury and superyacht sectors. Sanctuary Cove Marina, which already serves as a hub for high-end marine tourism, has added 25 new superyacht berths, increasing capacity for larger vessels and further strengthening SCIBS’s reputation as a key event for the luxury marine market.
While the show has traditionally catered to a broad audience, this year’s focus includes some notable additions aimed at serious buyers and industry professionals.
- Luxury Sea Trial Precinct – A new initiative allowing buyers to test-drive vessels on the Gold Coast’s waterways before purchase. This will provide insight into how experiential sales tactics are influencing consumer behaviour in the high-end market.
- More than 750 boats on display – Both on water and on land, representing a broad cross-section of the industry, from trailer boats to luxury motor yachts.
- Global marine brands exhibiting – Companies such as Riviera, Maritimo, Princess Yachts, Palm Beach Motor Yachts, Horizon Motor Yachts, and AMC will be presenting their latest models and technologies.
For industry professionals, SCIBS provides an opportunity to assess how the latest developments in propulsion systems, sustainable boating technologies, and high-performance materials are being integrated into new models. Given the increasing push for environmentally conscious design in both New Zealand and Australia, this aspect of the show will be of particular interest to those tracking regulatory and market shifts.
Each year, SCIBS offers a useful reference point for identifying trends that are shaping the global marine sector. Over the past few editions, several key themes have emerged:
- Growing demand for luxury motor yachts – With rising interest in private boating as a lifestyle choice, manufacturers are investing heavily in customisation and high-end onboard features.
- Electric and hybrid propulsion – While still in the early adoption phase, more brands are incorporating alternative propulsion options, responding to consumer interest in reduced emissions and fuel efficiency.
- Superyacht and charter market growth – The expansion of facilities at Sanctuary Cove reflects increasing demand in this sector, something that could have flow-on effects for New Zealand’s own superyacht services industry.
New Zealand’s marine sector has traditionally been at the forefront of composite construction, high-performance design, and niche luxury offerings. Observing how these strengths align with international trends at SCIBS may provide useful insight for local businesses considering export or expansion opportunities.
Given New Zealand’s close ties with the Australian boating market, developments at SCIBS often signal changes that will eventually impact the domestic marine industry. Whether it’s an increase in demand for certain vessel types, advancements in propulsion technology, or shifts in boat show formats themselves, these insights can be valuable for those looking to stay ahead of industry trends.
