The Gold Coast is poised to take centre stage this May with a line-up of major events that promise to draw tens of thousands of visitors and pump more than A$40 million into the regional economy.
A trio of internationally renowned happenings - the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show (SCIBS), the Gold Coast Pro surfing competition, and the beloved Blues on Broadbeach music festival - are set to transform the coastal city into a magnet for lifestyle, sport, and entertainment enthusiasts from around the world.
Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate heralded the month as a defining moment for the city’s cultural and economic footprint.
“From the Gold Coast Pro to Blues on Broadbeach and the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, we’re seeing the Gold Coast shine on a global stage - drawing visitors from around the country and the world,” he said. “With a combined economic impact of $40 million, these major events highlight the strength of our city’s events calendar and the vibrant community that supports it.”
SCIBS 2025 Returns
Leading the festivities is the 36th edition of the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, running from 22-25 May. SCIBS is widely regarded as Australia’s leading marine lifestyle event, and 2025 looks set to be its most glamorous yet.
Over 45,000 visitors are expected to attend the waterfront event, which will host more than 330 exhibitors and display over 760 vessels and 2,500 marine products.
“This is an incredibly exciting time for the Gold Coast and a strong example of the value major events deliver to our region,” said Corey Rattray-Wood, Head of Events at Mulpha Events. “SCIBS 2024 delivered an additional $431 million in commercial impact and, with growing momentum, we anticipate even greater results this year.”
World’s Best Explorer Yacht Makes Australian Debut
Yachting enthusiasts are in for a treat with the much-anticipated Australian debut of Pazienza, a 35-metre Italian-built masterpiece by Cantiere delle Marche.
Crowned the ‘World’s Best Explorer Yacht’ at the World Superyacht Awards in Venice, Pazienza brings elegance and innovation in equal measure, featuring sleek Italian design by Francesco Paszkowski and cutting-edge engineering for long-range ocean cruising.
“We are so excited to have M/Y Pazienza on display at SCIBS, with Australian demand for this type of luxury vessel being strong. It is our first new boat that has arrived in Australia, with others in build for Australian clients,” said Paul Miletta, Regional Director Australia & New Zealand for Cantiere delle Marche.
“With a comfortable range of 7,000 nautical miles, it is possible to comfortably explore the magnificent waterways the South Pacific has to offer,” he added.
Rattray-Wood added: “We’re thrilled to bring a touch of Italian flair and prestige to Sanctuary Cove and delighted that SCIBS has been chosen as the event for his Australian debut."
"This year’s show promises to be our biggest and most luxurious yet and the Pazienza is sure to be a star attraction.”
Global Launches and Marine Innovations
SCIBS 2025 will also be a launchpad for nearly 100 exclusive product reveals from global and domestic manufacturers. Highlights include:
- Riviera’s world premieres of the 4300 Sport Express and 72 Sports Motor Yacht.
- Maritimo’s global debut of the M50 Flybridge and S60 Sedan.
- Palm Beach Motor Yachts showcasing the Grand Banks 60 and Eastbay 60 as part of its 30th-anniversary celebration.
Horizon Showcases Australian-Focused Luxury
Horizon Yachts returns with its most diverse and luxurious lineup to date. Featuring the FD90 Hull 30, FD80 Hull 12, and V74, Horizon will also preview the world’s first FD100 Skyline.
“We are proud to be presenting our most comprehensive and versatile display to date, including Australia’s largest-ever Fast Displacement Series showcase,” said Mark Western, Director at Horizon Yacht Australia.
The FD90 Hull 30, Horizon’s best-selling 90+ft motoryacht in Australia, headlines the exhibit with an enclosed skylounge, impressive range, and local-friendly specs. Meanwhile, the FD80 features a heli-ready ceiling and AMSA 2C certification, ideal for luxury chartering.
TMG Yachts to Debut Game-Changing Lagoon 43
TMG Yachts will use the show to debut the Lagoon 43, a revolutionary catamaran that redefines comfort and innovation at sea.
Alongside this, the Lagoon SIXTY 5 and the PRESTIGE M48 power catamaran will be on display.
“The Lagoon 43 delivers seamless indoor-outdoor living and sets a new benchmark in space, usability, and design,” said a TMG spokesperson.
Award-Winning Seawind Catamarans Make Australian Debut
Australian-owned Seawind Catamarans will showcase two flagship models: the Seawind 1370 and Seawind 1170. The 1370, named Best Boat of 2025 by Cruising World, offers unmatched living space and performance, while the more compact 1170 is gaining popularity among Mediterranean cruisers and Aussie adventurers alike.
Innovation from Navico Group Enhances On-Water Experiences
Navico Group, a global leader in marine electronics, will present its latest innovations including the new Lowrance Eagle fishfinder, Simrad NSX ULTRAWIDE marine display, and the HDS PRO.
“We view Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show as an important part of our events calendar,” said Doug Anderson, APAC Sales Director.
“The event facilitates direct engagement with both our Australian OEM partners and dealers, as well as end consumers, and is instrumental in enabling us to showcase our integrated suites of marine electronics and power solutions that show how Navico Group's innovation translates to better on water experiences for our customers.”
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