HomeInternational Boat ShowsSanctuary Cove Boat Show20 years and counting: Maritimo strikes gold at SCIBS 2026

20 years and counting: Maritimo strikes gold at SCIBS 2026

A look back at Maritimo’s 20-year history reveals that the luxury motor yacht builder is much more than hulls and sales. The brand is built on family, deep connections with global owners, and a legacy forged at boat shows.

 

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n 2004, founder Bill Barry-Cotter launched the groundbreaking Maritimo 64 at the Sydney International Boat Show. Ever since, these events have been the cornerstone for launching and marketing Maritimo’s fleet.

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Maritimo celebrates 20 years: Chapter Nine // Maritimo
Maritimo at an earlier boat show. The Maritimo brand is very much present and central to their display. Maritimo celebrates 20 years: Chapter Nine // Maritimo

A proven formula for connection

Reflecting on this journey in 2023, Maritimo’s Marketing Manager, Simon Stewart, emphasised the enduring value of these events.

SIMON STEWART, MARKETING MANAGER, MARITIMO
“Boat shows are a great opportunity to connect with prospective buyers and existing owners looking to learn about our latest innovations. Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show (SCIBS) is our home show, located just minutes from our factory. We design our stand with an exclusive VIP owner’s area to create a premier space for education and hospitality.”

 

SCIBS also serves as a critical strategic hub for international expansion.

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SIMON STEWART, MARKETING MANAGER, MARITIMO
“SCIBS is highly accessible for Southeast Asian markets due to its proximity and shared time zones. As we expand globally, our strategic partners follow a meticulous plan. We establish a presence at premier shows with visuals and scale models, eventually progressing to full vessel displays as the market matures.”

 

Record-breaking success at SCIBS 2026

This strategic investment paid off massively at the 2026 show. Against the backdrop of a massive event that drew over 41,000 attendees, Maritimo heralded “super results” for both its core brand and its newly acquired Caribbean brand.

Maritimo showcased a $38 million, six-vessel fleet. The display drew unprecedented crowds, resulting in a record number of booking registrations to view the range.

The undisputed star of the show was the Maritimo S50 Sedan, which made its global debut.

Glass, oak, and open ocean: inside Maritimo’s newest floating sanctuary

SIMON STEWART, MARKETING MANAGER, MARITIMO
“The excitement surrounding the S50 has been outstanding, drawing continuous lines since opening day. We have seen an incredible number of inspections across our entire range, from the S50 up to our flagship M75, despite current market conditions. Clients travelled from New Zealand, Australia, Asia, and the USA specifically for these releases.”

 

The Caribbean revival

Perhaps the biggest surprise of the show was the triumphant return of the Caribbean brand, which Maritimo recently acquired. The heritage brand boasts a loyal following spanning more than 50 years, but its revival under Maritimo ownership far exceeded expectations.

Across the two iconic brands, a record 1,400 people booked inspections, with over 550 specifically registering to board the Caribbean 40F and 27F.

Caribbean Boats reborn: 40F and 27F Flybridge cruisers unveiled

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SIMON STEWART, MARKETING MANAGER, MARITIMO
“We were astounded by the feedback. The response indicates that Maritimo’s reimagining has delivered exactly what loyal Caribbean clients have been craving for decades.”

 

These updated Caribbean models are now manufactured alongside Maritimo vessels at the company’s state-of-the-art facility in Coomera on the Gold Coast.

The next chapter

With another successful year in the bag at Sanctuary Cove, Maritimo has solidified its position at the pinnacle of luxury boating. As the company looks toward its next 20 years, the successful acquisition and manufacturing integration of the Caribbean brand may well form the next great chapter in the Maritimo story.

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Kirsten Thomas
Kirsten Thomas
Kirsten enjoys sailing and is a passionate writer based in coastal New Zealand. Combining her two passions, she crafts vivid narratives and insightful articles about sailing adventures, sharing her experiences and knowledge with fellow enthusiasts.

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