A bold new format for Sydney
The Sydney International On-Water Boat Show 2025 is more than a continuation of the city’s 55-year boat show tradition. It’s the second act in a new two-show format, following the successful Sydney Boat Show at Olympic Park earlier this year. Together, the pair mark a bold evolution of the event, splitting the inland and on-water experiences into distinct showcases.
According to Boating Industry Association (BIA) President Adam Smith, the change was overdue.
“Following on from the 55-year legacy of the Sydney International Boat Show, it’s fantastic to see its evolution. These changes ensure the show stays current, appealing, and set the right tone to represent and sell the marine lifestyle to Australians and beyond,” he said.
Darling Harbour will host the November event with more than 200 boats on the water in Cockle Bay, supported by an expansive onshore footprint spilling into Palm Grove, Tumbalong Boulevard, and Tumbalong Park. It’s a layout designed to capture Sydney’s springtime energy, with twilight opening hours to match the city’s warm evenings.
Maritimo’s long-awaited comeback
For many, the biggest headline is clear: Maritimo is back. Absent from Sydney’s waterfront for five years, the renowned Australian luxury boatbuilder returns in force this November. The brand’s reappearance adds weight to an already premium line-up and underscores renewed confidence in the market.
Maritimo’s yachts have built a reputation for long-range cruising, robust construction, and layouts that balance luxury with service practicality. Their comeback offers Sydney visitors a first-hand look at refinements developed in recent years—flybridge and sedan models that continue to deliver range and reliability for owners who plan serious coastal or offshore voyages.
“It’s exciting to see leading Australian brands on board, showcasing the strength of our boating industry and lifestyle,” Smith said. “By moving beyond the traditional exhibition model, we’re creating a true festival of boating that reflects the vibrancy of Sydney in spring.”
International glamour: Princess, Horizon, and Palm Beach
The marina won’t be short of glamour. Princess Yachts and Horizon Yachts have confirmed their presence, bolstering the international prestige on display. They join local stars like Palm Beach Motor Yachts and established names including Fleming Yachts, Leopard Catamarans, Sealegs International, and Carbon Yachts. Around them, a wide supporting cast of suppliers—Raymarine, Pantaenius, Club Marine, and others—ensures visitors can cover everything from insurance to electronics without leaving the dock.
The variety reinforces the show’s identity as more than just a sales floor. It’s a space where boating culture, lifestyle, and innovation meet.
Fountaine Pajot’s new generation lands in Sydney
A second storyline belongs to the multihull world. French builder Fountaine Pajot has just announced an unprecedented four new sailing catamarans at Cannes, and Sydney will be the first stop in Australia to see one in the flesh. The FP41 arrives in October and will feature on the Darling Harbour pontoons with The Yacht Sales Co.
The FP41 sets a new standard in the 40-foot segment, with luminous interiors, a raised helm, and versatile cockpit. It’s a sporty entry point to the brand’s new generation—soon to be followed by the FP44, FP48, and the flagship FP55, the company’s first flybridge sailing catamaran. Options such as ODSea+ electric propulsion and large-scale solar arrays highlight a push toward responsible cruising.
This new family of models reaffirms Fountaine Pajot’s ambition to remain a global leader in premium sailing catamarans, where indoor-outdoor flow and sustainable features are becoming essential.
A waterfront festival, not just a show
What sets this November’s event apart is the emphasis on festival atmosphere. Beyond the marina and exhibition halls, visitors can expect roving performers, interactive activations, live music, and gourmet food and wine along Darling Harbour’s edges. It’s a format that acknowledges boating isn’t just about hardware—it’s about lifestyle, community, and culture.
“This show will capture the very best of life in, on and around the water,” Smith said. “From luxury to lifestyle, it’s about celebrating everything Australians love about the marine world and our water-based culture.”
Practical details
Dates: Thursday 13 – Sunday 16 November 2025
Location: Darling Harbour, Sydney
Hours: 11am–7pm (Thu–Sat), 11am–6pm (Sun)
Tickets: On sale 27 September, early-bird AUD$24 + fee for 48 hours. Kids under 16 free with paying adult.
The upshot
Sydney is set to transform into a playground of luxury yachts, innovation, and adventure this November. With Maritimo’s comeback, a strong showing from Princess and Horizon, and Fountaine Pajot’s next generation debuting locally, the 2025 Sydney International On-Water Boat Show has the ingredients of a genuine spring festival.
For Kiwis planning a trans-Tasman visit, this is a chance to see where the market is heading, compare offshore-ready designs side by side, and soak up a waterfront atmosphere that goes well beyond the marina.
