Beautiful weather, more than 25 new yachts, and strong support from sailors and the marine industry made Sail Expo 2026 a celebration of sailing and life on the water.
Sail Expo 2026 © Mainsheet Media
Sail Expo 2026 wrapped up on Sunday after a successful two-day event held on 17 and 18 October at the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club (RPAYC) in Sydney, welcoming sailors, boat owners, prospective buyers, marine businesses and families to celebrate the sailing lifestyle.
With beautiful spring weather and Pittwater providing the perfect backdrop, the event showcased more than 25 new yachts alongside a diverse onshore exhibitor precinct, great food, entertainment and plenty of opportunities to discover products, services and ideas for life on the water.
Sail Expo 2026 © RPAYC
Sail Expo 2026 © RPAYC
RPAYC Commodore Julia Hornsby said the event was a welcome opportunity to showcase the club and the breadth of sailing available to people of all ages and experience levels.
“It was wonderful to see RPAYC so full of activity, with beautiful conditions on Pittwater and such a strong turnout from the sailing community. Sail Expo showcases not only the latest yachts and marine products, but also the many ways people can enjoy sailing, whether they are just starting out or have spent a lifetime on the water. We’re delighted to have hosted such a positive weekend at the club.”
The on-water display featured a broad mix of cruising and performance yachts, monohulls and catamarans, with an impressive line-up of international brands represented, including Jeanneau, Excess, Fountaine Pajot, Dufour, Beneteau, Bavaria, Lagoon, Grand Soleil, X-Yachts, Hanse, Leopard, Seawind and Aquila. Visitors had the opportunity to step aboard, compare designs and layouts, meet representatives and explore options ranging from relaxed coastal cruising to longer passages and performance sailing.
Micah Lane from Sundance Marine said the display generated valuable conversations with sailors considering their next boat.
“Having four Beneteau yachts on display gave visitors a great opportunity to get aboard, look at the details and see how different models might suit their plans. From layout and comfort to the way a yacht is used day to day, those conversations are an important part of choosing the right boat. It was great to meet so many interested sailors over the weekend.”
Sail Expo 2026 © RPAYC
The onshore exhibitor precinct added another dimension to the event. Visitors could browse sailing clothing, sails, tenders, marine hardware and equipment, explore yachting holiday options and discover off-the-beach boats and other ways to enjoy time on the water.
My Yacht showcased its specialist sailing equipment, including performance ropes, rigging, deck hardware and other products for cruising and racing. Mia Park from My Yacht said Sail Expo provided a valuable opportunity to connect with sailors and discuss equipment suited to their individual needs.
“Every boat and sailor has different needs, and being able to talk through those requirements makes a real difference when choosing equipment. Sail Expo gave us the chance to share our experience, introduce visitors to specialist products and discuss practical solutions for everything from everyday cruising to more performance-focused sailing.”
The event also highlighted boat sharing as an alternative to traditional yacht ownership. Companies including SailTime, Smart Boating and AllSail showcased options for people wanting regular access to a boat without taking on the full cost and responsibility of owning one outright. These shared boating arrangements offer another way for people to enjoy time on the water, making sailing more accessible to those who may not be ready for full ownership.
Sail Expo 2026 © RPAYC
Food, beverages and live entertainment helped create a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere throughout the weekend, making Sail Expo an outing for the whole family as well as an important opportunity for the marine industry to connect with customers and colleagues.
Support from sailors and visitors travelling from across Australia, along with strong participation from marine businesses, exhibitors and industry representatives, reinforced the value of the event as a showcase for the sailing community.
Sail Expo 2026 was proudly supported by Pantaenius Yacht Insurance and hosted by the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club (RPAYC).
Thanks to the entire RPAYC team for the considerable work, planning and coordination that went into delivering Sail Expo 2026. Their efforts helped create a welcoming, well-organised event for exhibitors, visitors and the wider sailing community. Thanks also go to the exhibitors, sponsors, partners and volunteers whose commitment, along with the support of visitors from across Australia, contributed to the weekend’s success.
Sail Expo 2026 highlighted the depth of expertise across Australia’s sailing industry and the enthusiasm of a community that continues to embrace sailing in all its forms. Organisers look forward to building on this year’s success and welcoming exhibitors, sailors and visitors back to the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club for Sail Expo 2027.
For more information and updates, visit sailexpo.com.au
