Sail Expo comes alive at the RPAYC today - MarineBusinessWorld Oceania newsletter
by Peter Rendle 24 Oct 10:00 NZDT
Pittwater Sail Expo © Pittwater Sail Expo
Get ready to step aboard and set sail. The Pittwater Sail Expo 2025 is this weekend, from Friday 24 to Sunday 26 October at the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club.
As Australia's largest sailing boat show, the Expo is the ultimate destination for sailors, cruisers and anyone dreaming of life on the water. With free entry and over 35 yachts and catamarans from leading brands on display, the event brings together the best of the sailing world in one spectacular location.
Further south the 63rd Melbourne Boat Show has been hailed a success after it concluded on Sunday at Docklands. Organisers, exhibitors and visitors were all highly praiseworthy of the event, which saw close to 39,000 boaters and potential boaters in attendance, celebrating boats and the boating lifestyle. The event featured more than 1.2km of waterfront and marina displays, over 100 Exhibitors, numerous entertainment activations, as well as great food, coffee and waterfront vibes.
Looking forward, The Yacht Sales Co will unveil two world-leading new models at the Sydney International On-Water Boat Show from 13-16 November in the heart of Darling Harbour. Across four spectacular days and nights, visitors will have the opportunity to step aboard an exceptional selection of luxury sail and power yachts, including the Asia Pacific premiere of the new Fountaine Pajot FP41 and Dufour 48. The internationally acclaimed ILIAD 53F power catamaran will also be on display to impress long-range cruising enthusiasts.
At the same time, Boatology will host the Australian debut of the Cantiere Mimì brand and the first model, the Libeccio 8.5 Cabin, at the Sydney show. Embodying the "Made in Italy" ethos that is renowned worldwide as a mark of exceptional design, craftsmanship and heritage, the first model from Naples-based shipyard, Cantiere Mimì will make its Australian debut.
Overseas, this November the X-Yachts yard in Haderslev, Denmark will host an elevated edition of their In-House Boat Show. With more boats on display than ever before, guided yard tours, charter stands and a chance to meet the global dealer network. They have expanded the line-up of boats on display so besides a great range of all new boats there is an even greater focus on second-hand models — with a total of four pre-owned yachts available to view.
In Europe, ATL Composites will exhibit with joint venture partners M.u.H. von der Linden GmbH based in Wesel as vdL Composites GmbH at the 37th METSTRADE Show, running 18 to 20 November in Amsterdam. Known as the "one-stop-shop" and meeting place for the global leisure marine industry, METSTRADE is the world's largest B2B marine event. This year, METS will showcase 1,600+ exhibiting companies and fill all 13 halls of the Rai for the first time.
And further afield, the inaugural African Boating Conference opened to a sold-out audience at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town, setting a new benchmark for collaboration, professionalism, and vision across the continent's blue economy. With the presence of delegates representing marine stakeholders across Africa and presentations from global leaders in marine manufacturing, insurance, and waterfront development, the event delivered world-class insight and inspiration.
Finally, demand for Marine Rescue NSW assistance last month has resulted in the busiest September on record for the volunteer-based service. Marine Rescue NSW Acting Commissioner Todd Andrews said demand across the state exceeded that of September 2023, when volunteer crews completed 360 search and rescue missions. "We would much prefer to be seeing record-low numbers because when demand for Marine Rescue NSW is down, it means boaters are having an enjoyable day on the water and returning home safely."
Peter Rendle - peter.rendle@worldmarine.media