Well, didn’t the weather put on a show for only our second official “Get Onboard Boat Expo” last Friday and Saturday the 7th/8th of November!

The lead into Summer was certainly the perfect time to invite local businesses, sponsors and trades to showcase their wares on the glorious grounds and docks of Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron. Over 20 exhibits filled the lawn, VIP berths and A/B rows with 7 new additions to the fold – all praising the success of the event with universal success across the sales front. Even Alicia at the RQYS stand managed to attract four new club members on Saturday and the waitlist for tables in the RQYS Bistro meant many new diners experienced our fabulous venue.

In addition to the Boat Expo proper, supplementary events were held on the back of the expo: our inaugural RQYS “Treasures from the Bilge” Carboot sale attracted ten vendors to the Member Carpark and several buyers were seen lugging home a bargain. The Boating Industry Association held its first Jobs in the Marine Industry panel discussion in the Auditorium, welcoming speakers ranging from our own CEO and Marina Manager, to Sailing Podcaster and BIA Apprentice of the Year, amongst others.

Finally, our very own Youth Advisory Sub Committee (YASC) manned a display of various sail class boats on the lawn to build awareness and educate the community on the variety of sailboats available – even selling a WASP on the day! On Friday night, the YASC held its first networking evening in the Flags Room for Youth of the Squadron, welcoming close to 40 attendees to listen to sailors who have gone before them and who sail (non-professionally) for a living! What a dream!

Congratulations to all involved in making the weekend a huge success.  Interest in boating and sailing in particular continues to grow, and RQYS welcomes new and inquisitive visitors to see what we are about and join our boating community. See you in 2026!

Have a scroll through the album below – courtesy of Spikey Mikey!