2022 Sydney International Boat Show

The 53rd annual Sydney International Boat Show cemented its standing as Australia’s largest recreational boating lifestyle event, drawing big crowds and contributing to impressive sales over five days from 28 July – 1 August.

The Show attracted more than 45,000 visitors and presented an enticing showcase of the boating lifestyle on, in and near the water, bringing a festive atmosphere to Darling Harbour, in the shadows of the Sydney CBD. Boating Industry Association (BIA) President Andrew Fielding said interest in boating was riding high and it was great to be back with the 2022 Sydney International Boat Show, returning after a two-year hiatus.

“We are a nation of boaters with one in 10 Australians holding a boat licence, and almost one in five households in NSW owning a boat or watercraft, making it one of the leading pastimes nationally and in the state of NSW,” Mr Fielding said. “Boat registrations grew by 18,500 over the past 12 months across the nation, taking powerboat registrations to 925,000 and personal watercraft registrations to more than 90,000. Of course, this doesn’t include the countless number of non-powered watercraft people are buying for their healthy lifestyle benefits such as stand-up paddleboards, canoes, kayaks and sailing dinghies. It was great to see crowds surpass 45,000 over the past few days. People enjoying the opportunity to get out and ignite their passion for boating and experiencing all that a boat show like this offers.”

To highlight the BIA’s commitment to growing the industry of the future, a Careers Day was hosted on the Show’s opening day and attended by approximately 300 students, eager to hear from marine experts and learn more about job opportunities within the industry.

Seasoned boaters and newcomers alike embraced the 2022 Sydney International Boat Show, enticed by hundreds of boats on display, cutting-edge gear, 17 Australian and Asia-Pacific and global product launches, on-water demonstrations on the Event Deck in a purpose-built 35-metre pool, a packed Main Stage program of boating, fishing and marine education sessions and a raft of roving entertainment.

Exhibitors were full of praise for the 53rd Sydney International Boat Show, reporting strong sales and genuine leads through the five-day event. Four BIA Stand Awards were presented on Friday to Short Marine (Best Stand on Marina), Navico (Best Small Stand in Halls), Sirocco (Best Large Stand in Halls) and Mercury Marine (Best Overall Stand).

The 53rd annual Sydney International Boat Show was presented by the Boating Industry Association (BIA) and Mulpha Events and proudly supported by Partner in Safety – Transport for NSW. The 54th Sydney International Boat Show returns from 3 – 7 August 2023, at the ICC Sydney and Cockle Bay. Subscribe for updates and news at sydneyboatshow.com.au.