Please select your home edition
Edition
Hyde Sails 2024 - One Design

Sydney International On-Water Boat Show launches FREE 'Discover Boating Festival Hub'

by Sydney Int. On-Water Boat Show 6 Nov 2025 22:34 PST 13-16 November 2025
Amphibious AU © Sydney Int. On-Water Boat Show

The boating world is casting a wider net this year. The Sydney International On-Water Boat Show (13 to 16 November) is set to transform the expansive public domain areas of Darling Harbour with the brand new, non-ticketed Discover Boating Festival Hub.

For the first time, areas including Palm Grove, Tumbalong Boulevard, and Tumbalong Park will buzz with a vibrant festival atmosphere, welcoming thousands of visitors to explore the joys of life on, in and around the water. This general access zone offers the public a free and easy opportunity to discover boating, featuring accessible trailerable craft, essential equipment displays and hospitality offerings.

With 87 per cent of last year's attendees agreeing that the event helps promote boating as a valuable social or family activity, the industry is keen to highlight the proven, health-boosting benefits of getting afloat. The festival aims to showcase how boating aligns with the "Blue Mind" concept - the meditative, restorative state we fall into when near, in, or on water - offering the perfect antidote to increasingly busy and stressful modern life.

While more than 160 larger vessels will headline the ticketed on-water display in Cockle Bay, the landside festival will feature a variety of popular trailerable craft, boating accessories and new technology.

Discover Boating Festival Hub highlights include:

Amphibious AU brings the renowned Smuggler range of Amphibious RIBs to Australia, combining exceptional performance, quality craftsmanship, and cutting-edge innovation. Smuggler boats are celebrated for their smooth ride, efficient hull design, and superior build quality — and now, with Amphibious AU, these world-class vessels are available to Australian adventurers. Designed for versatility and convenience, Amphibious AU's RIBs seamlessly transition between land and sea, offering the ultimate freedom to explore without limits.

Hunts Marine South Coast will showcase the exceptional Cruise Craft line-up, featuring the all-new E770HT, the versatile and feature-packed E695HT, and the ever-popular Explorer 635 Hard Top. Perfect for both offshore adventures and leisurely weekends on the water, Cruise Craft boats combine innovative design, superior performance, and unmatched comfort.

Sirocco Marine will host the Australian debut of the all-new BRIG Navigator 20, alongside fan favourites including the Eagle 10, Eagle 8, Eagle 670, and Eagle 4. BRIG is Australia's largest-selling RIB brand, renowned for its exceptional build quality, beautiful finish, and innovative European design. For more than 20 years, BRIG RIBs have been sold and serviced nationwide, combining style, performance, and durability to deliver the ultimate boating experience. Sirocco Marine is Australia's largest inflatable boat dealer and the only company providing nationwide sales and service.

SEA.AI has been a pioneer in Machine Vision for maritime applications since 2018. The company is dedicated to making Machine Vision the new standard for safety and situational awareness in the maritime sector. Their product range includes fully integrated systems that combine optical and thermal sensors with artificial intelligence to enhance safety and security at sea, as well as SEA.AI's maritime Machine Vision solution, Brain, which is compatible with third-party cameras. SEA.AI systems are designed to quickly detect and identify floating objects, providing the crew with real-time information. The technology is available in various versions tailored to the specific needs of recreational, commercial, and governmental vessels, including unmanned surface vehicles (USVs).

Float Haven is your boat's new best mate — a premium floating island designed for comfort, relaxation, and fun on the water. With the addition of Shade Haven, you can enjoy the perfect balance of sun and shelter while lounging, socializing, or simply unwinding. Built for durability and ease of use, Float Haven transforms any day on the water into a luxurious, resort-style experience.

General admission tickets are $36 (plus booking fee) while children under 16 enter free when accompanied by a paying adult. Add on a Wine Selectors Masterclass with four curated wine tastings for just $15 (plus booking fee) for 30-minutes, with any Day Pass purchased. Tickets are available hereand via Oztix. Ticket holders get access to the special event marina and the Discover Boat Show Festival Hub at Tumbalong Park; while the public can come and just enjoy the Hub only for free. The 2025 Sydney International On-Water Boat Show takes place 10am to 7pm Thursday to Saturday and 10am to 6pm Sunday.

The Show's official smartphone app makes it easy to find boats, brands, and event highlights. Browse through the What's-On Guide, view talk schedules, download maps, and access the full Exhibitor Directory all in one place. Available from your preferred app store.

The 2025 Sydney International On-Water Boat Show is presented by the Boating Industry Association Ltd (BIA) and its event delivery partner Mulpha Events, and proudly supported by official partners, Walcon Marine, GMSV, Century Batteries, MitchCap Finance, Ocean Media and Wine Selectors.

For more information visit: sydneyboatshow.com.au.

Related Articles

The Finn - Five Years On
Many thought the final Finn Olympic regatta was the end of the road for the class Many thought the final Finn Olympic regatta, being raced in 2021, was the end of the road for the Finn, and the class would dwindle into dinghy park obscurity. Posted today at 11:22 am
A constant challenge for Team Banque Populaire
What lies ahead in 2026 for the IMOCA and Ultim teams Team Banque Populaire is preparing for a particularly busy season. Aboard Banque Populaire XI, an ambitious solo and crewed program is on the horizon, with victory as the sole objective. Posted today at 9:44 am
NZ ILCA Nationals - A glorious Day 1
Two great races in solid hiking conditions today for the first day of the NZ ILCA championships Two great races in solid hiking conditions today for the first day of the NZ ILCA championships, and already its clear that the form book is right on the money and there are going to be some really close contests for top honours in many of the fleets. Posted today at 8:26 am
Seldén launches E40rev - electric reversible winch
The world premiere will take place at boot Düsseldorf Seldén proudly presents the E40rev, a reversible electric winch operating in two directions and with two speeds. The world premiere will take place at boot Düsseldorf on January 17-25, where the winch will be displayed at the Seldén stand. Posted today at 8:00 am
SailGP Perth - Season 6 Launch
Zhik is on the water supporting the Black Foils and the United States SailGP Team The fastest boats in the world are back on the water as SailGP opens a new season at full speed. The Perth event will kick off 2026 with two days of racing in Fremantle on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 January. Posted today at 6:46 am
Rag & Famish Hotel 2025-26
Young 18ft skiff team's big rookie season North Sydney's Rag & Famish Hotel has been an 18ft skiff sponsoring partner with the Australian 18 Footers League since 1996 when the late George Calligeros, the hotel's owner, decided to financially support his son's sailing career. Posted today at 6:13 am
Announcing the Clipper RX Ocean Racing Yacht
4th Generation Clipper Race Fleet of 12 new yachts under construction After 30 years circumnavigating the planet the world's most challenging ocean adventure has announced a multi-million GBP investment in an exciting new yacht design for the next-generation 12-yacht fleet. Posted today at 12:01 am
Webinar: North Sails Rolex Sydney Hobart Debrief
Join North Sails experts Alby Pratt, Mark Bradford and Rob Greenhalgh for a lively panel discussion Join North Sails experts Alby Pratt, Mark Bradford and Rob Greenhalgh for a lively panel discussion hosted by North Sails President Ken Read, as they break down the 2025 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race and share key strategies to prepare for the season. Posted on 14 Jan
Entry open for 79th Block Island Race
A premier ocean racing event on the new England sailing calendar kicks off another huge year The historic Block Island Race, hosted by the Storm Trysail Club, returns on Friday, May 22, 2026, ushering in another season of premier offshore competition for sailors from across the Northeast and beyond. Posted on 14 Jan
2026 RORC Transatlantic Race day 4
MOD70s ignite Atlantic afterburners Four days into the 2026 RORC Transatlantic Race, the fleet has fully escaped the Canary Islands and locked into the rhythm of the trade winds. Posted on 14 Jan
Zhik - Made for WaterRS Sailing 2021 - FOOTERMaritimo S Series