SeaKeepers South Pacific at the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show 2026

From May 20–24, 2026, Melissa White, Director of SeaKeepers South Pacific, Lance Sheppard, CEO of South Pacific, and Dick Seidenspinner, Chief of Fleet Operations for SeaKeepers USA, attended the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show on the Gold Coast, Australia. As one of the largest marine lifestyle and boating events in the Southern Hemisphere, the show brought together superyacht owners, brokers, marina operators, marine businesses, and industry leaders from across the region.

A major focus during the show was announcing that SeaKeepers Australia is now officially established as a charitable trust and introducing plans to launch the successful SeaKeepers vessel donation program in Australia. Originally developed in the United States, the program provides an alternative pathway for vessel owners looking to donate vessels to support ocean conservation while creating opportunities for brokers, buyers, and charitable initiatives. The show provided an important opportunity to engage directly with the brokerage community and begin conversations around how the program can operate within Australia.

Throughout the week, the team connected with existing industry partners and new potential collaborators from across the marine sector. Events hosted by partners including Pantaenius Australia, Superyacht Australia, Rivergate Marina and Shipyard, and The Superyacht People created valuable networking opportunities and helped strengthen relationships throughout the industry. The team also met with several yacht brokers, marina operators, and marine businesses interested in future collaboration, while new marina partnerships were established during the show.

The event highlighted the growing momentum of SeaKeepers South Pacific across Australia and New Zealand and reinforced the strong interest from the marine industry in supporting ocean conservation, citizen science, educational outreach, and the expansion of the vessel donation program throughout the region.