One of Australia’s most elegant charter yachts, SEA RAES, will be a standout attraction at the 2025 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show (SCIBS), taking place from 22 to 25 May on Queensland’s Gold Coast.
Now in its 36th year, SCIBS continues to draw thousands of boating enthusiasts and on-water lifestyle devotees with a vibrant showcase featuring 400 vessels on water, and exhibitors throughout the Marine Village and pavilions.
This year, SEA RAES — a collaboration between CHAPMAN and RAES ON WATEGOS — brings a new level of luxury and style to the event. The 101-foot (29-metre) custom-built motor yacht will be open for inspection, with the CHAPMAN team welcoming guests aboard.
Described as a “floating villa,” SEA RAES reflects timeless elegance, combining classic exterior lines with a steel hull and contemporary onboard amenities. The vessel’s interiors, redesigned by acclaimed Australian designer Tamsin Johnson, feature refined details such as wicker furnishings, monochrome linens, timber panelling, and expansive picture windows that capture sweeping ocean views.
Part of the RAES ON WATEGOS hospitality group, SEA RAES is crafted to deliver the feel of a Mediterranean escape. Guests can expect spacious decks, multiple lounge areas, luxurious accommodation, and an experienced crew, alongside an assortment of watertoys for exploration and recreation.
“Our ethos is grounded in relaxed luxury, warm hospitality, and exceptional cuisine,” a CHAPMAN spokesperson said.
Following a meticulous refit overseen by CHAPMAN, SEA RAES will soon be available for bespoke charter experiences in the Whitsundays from July through October. Packages include 1-, 3-, and 5-night all-inclusive escapes, with options for day trips and extended stays.
Charters feature curated menus by RAES Executive Chef Jason Saxby, with meals served either onboard or on the beach. Premium beverage offerings, return transfers, concierge services, and guided hikes across destinations like Hamilton Island, South Molle Island, and Whitsunday Peak are all included. Guests can also enjoy watersports such as jet skiing, snorkelling, and paddleboarding.
Itineraries are tailored to highlight the Whitsundays’ most iconic natural wonders, including Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet Lookout, and the Great Barrier Reef.
In October, SEA RAES will return to Sydney for the spring and summer season, with bookings expected to fill quickly for private charters, corporate events, and New Year’s Eve celebrations.
During the show on Thursday 22 and Friday 23 May, CHAPMAN will also host exclusive tours of its state-of-the-art Queensland headquarters at The Boat Works, located on the Coomera River just 10 minutes from Sanctuary Cove.
The facility is one of Australia’s premier marine refit and maintenance destinations, boasting 70 refit sheds (with more under development), expansive hardstand areas, six travel lifts with capacity up to 300 tonnes, and a full-service Marine Supplies & Chandlery.
Visitors can explore highlights such as the Garage 25 car museum, waterfront restaurant Kokomo, and the newly launched undercover in-water berths known as The Watersheds — a major advancement for all-weather refits and repairs.
Home to 90 marine specialists, The Boat Works offers a comprehensive suite of services across shipwrighting, design, fabrication, upholstery, mechanics, and surveying. The CHAPMAN team operates from boutique premises within The Wharf, where guests are invited to tour the facility and experience its luxury approach to marine care.
As the region’s top-tier destination for boat owners and crew, The Boat Works continues to redefine standards in marine hospitality and craftsmanship.
