There is a genuine sense of excitement building around Maritimo in New Zealand, with two forces driving that energy: a strong showing at the Auckland Boat Show and the upcoming Maritimo Muster.
The Muster runs from 20 to 22 March, gathering at Man O' War Bay on Waiheke Island. "We have 20 boats, which will make for a brilliant weekend," said Simon Barker, Director at Ownaship, the Maritimo sales consultants operating from Westhaven Marina in Auckland. Part of an exclusive series designed around the owner experience, the Muster brings Maritimo luxury motor yacht owners together for camaraderie, scenic cruising, and entertainment, with events held across New Zealand, Australia, and North America.
The enthusiasm surrounding this year's New Zealand Muster reflects the broader momentum the brand has been building. "There is a lot of activity around Maritimo, and it's gaining momentum as we move into 2026," Barker said. "Levels of enquiry are up, and we are confident that the interest shown is converting to sales in 2026."
Glynis Dean from Motor Yacht Service Centre shared that enthusiasm when reflecting on the Auckland Boat Show. "We had a fantastic Auckland Boat Show. We were very, very busy the whole time on our Motor Yacht Service Centre display showcasing two Maritimo yachts, with a high-level visitation from our client base. The resulting business is very good," she said.
Two models drew particular attention on the water. The Maritimo Flybridge M55 earned consistent praise for the way it combines style with practicality. "The Maritimo Flybridge M55 was a favourite with our guests for its onboard style, comfort, and functionality. People love that the M55 easily accommodates a family in style and comfort," Glynis noted. The M75 Flybridge made an equally strong impression, with visitors queuing to inspect the brand's flagship. "The Maritimo M75 Flybridge was also a star of the Auckland Boat Show, people lining up to view Maritimo's flagship model."
What struck visitors most about the M75 was its sheer sense of space. "As always, people are super impressed by the beam of the M75 flybridge and the amount of space this special area gives owners as a result of Maritimo's unique design. People love the simple, reliable systems, the range and economy of the M75… and, of course, it is a beautiful-looking boat," said Glynis.
New Zealanders coming to SCIBS
A new model is lending its own charge to that momentum. The hotly anticipated S50 Sedan motor yacht is set to make its world debut at the 2026 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show in May, and interest and enquiry around it has already been strong in New Zealand well ahead of that reveal. Described as a "hull-up reimagining" of the classic Maritimo sport yacht, the S50 is positioned as "the most definitive 'S' model in Maritimo's history" rather than a scaled-down version of the M50. Conceived entirely around the owner experience, it is a purpose-built sports motor yacht featuring a larger and more functional cockpit, a Euro-style lazarette offering improved access for water toys and storage, and a seamless single-level connection between cockpit and galley that enhances flow and onboard liveability.
Barker confirmed that a committed group of New Zealand buyers are already making plans to attend SCIBS 2026 to see the S50 for themselves. "SCIBS is a very important show for us. Our clients can step aboard to touch and feel the new models and see for themselves how they fit in with their boating lifestyles," he said. "We are looking forward to experiencing the world debut of the S50 alongside the M50 and rest of Maritimo's class leading range. It's exciting for us to represent a brand that's always innovating and to be part of these great events."
SCIBS 2026 will also mark the unveiling of two new entries in the revived Caribbean range, the C40 and the C27. Barker sees strong potential for the C40 locally. "The C40 will be popular in New Zealand with a new generation of anglers as there's really nothing else like it," he said. "Maritimo is bringing the Caribbean brand into the modern era."
Barker and the Ownaship team bring a depth of perspective that reaches well beyond a conventional sales relationship. Ownaship became official Maritimo sales consultants in 2019, though the team's connection with the brand stretches back further, having previously represented Maritimo in the syndication market, a model unique to Ownaship. Barker is not simply a consultant but a long-standing owner himself. "Not only am I a consultant for Maritimo, I've been an owner for over a decade," he said. "As part of our syndication, I own an S55 so I can speak for the craftsmanship, performance and shaft drive reliability. Our boats have to be on water 365 days a year, so reliability is a must. As part of our boat share syndication we have bought nine Maritimos so I can speak with absolute authority how good these Maritimo Luxury Motorboats are!"
Maritimo is a luxury motor yacht manufacturer recognised for its commitment to quality, innovation, and craftsmanship. Built around a legacy of offshore blue water performance, the brand continues to set benchmarks for luxury boating internationally.
