Sanctuary Cove glamour to come to 2022 Sydney International Boat Show

Sydney has missed out on two shows running after the COVID-19 pandemic first interrupted the 2020 event, and a shortage of new products to put on display at this year’s show forced a follow-on cancellation.

However, for next year’s event the NSW-based Boating Industry Association, which has traditionally staged numerous boat shows throughout Australia including in Brisbane and Rose Hill, will step back and let Mulpha Australia take over.

Mulpha Australia is the owner and operator of the Sanctuary Cove event, which this year became the most successful boat show ever held in Australia after the previous year’s was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mulpha has signed an agreement with the BIA to become an “event delivery partner” for the shows traditionally hosted by the BIA. Under the arrangements, the BIA will still own the event, while their organisation and running will be handled by Mulpha.

BIA president Darren Vaux said the new arrangement would enable the delivery of innovative and engaging world-class events with a significant focus on the boating lifestyle for the benefit of exhibitors, partners, visitors and the broader boating industry.

“This strategic alliance is a great fit with enormous potential in the delivery of best-in-class boat show experiences across Australia,” Vaux said.

“BIA and Mulpha have always had a close working relationship, and the partnership is the result of longstanding discussions between the two organisations on how to best serve the industry and promote the boating lifestyle to a broader audience.

“Boating has proven to be a standout leisure activity throughout the pandemic and we are very confident the boating community will embrace the lifestyle focus of the boat show program in 2022 and beyond.”

Mulpha Australia chief executive Greg Shaw said his company was well-placed to expand the BIA’s shows to attract a wider audience to the events.

“Despite the many challenges over the last 18 months, the marine industry is thriving, and this has strengthened our commitment to deliver unique events to boating enthusiasts, industry and the wider community,” Shaw said.

“Boat shows remain a significant place to connect buyers with marine businesses, and together with BIA, we can take the shows to the next level, introducing new initiatives and elements for the benefit of participating members, exhibitors and attendees.”

The BIA has hosted the Sydney International Boat Show for more than 50 years, with the last show held in 2019 attracting more than 60,000 people to its Darling Harbour location.

Mulpha Australia has run the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, now in its 33rd year, since 2002. This year’s event – the only major Australian boat show to go ahead in 2021 apart from the Perth International Boat Show – attracted 51,000 people through the gates.

The 2021 Sydney International Boat Show is scheduled to run from Thursday, July 28 to Monday, August 1, 2022.