Editorial

by Jeni Bone, Editor on 30 Jul 2008 Contrary to the natural order, us northerners are migrating south in this beastly cold last week of July for our annual pilgrimage to the Sydney International Boat Show. Just heard that southern-Queensland is about to emerge from hibernation and can anticipate 24 ºC by the weekend.

SIBS organizer, Domenic Genua tells me that despite rain in the last hours of set-up for the show, and the hold up with accommodating His Holiness’ harbour requirements during WYD, they are on time and eager for the crowds to roll up.

The BIA of NSW has spent nearly $1 million on marketing in the lead up to and all throughout SIBS, aiming to attract the quality buyers the show is renowned for. Let’s hope the Pope’s influence lingers for a few more days yet and we can all enjoy winter weather on the mild end of the scale and record sales.

Visit www.marinebusinessnews.com over the next few days for the best of SIBS, highlights and innovations, as well as some of the dealers and brands that are doing things differently this year with the strategy of maximizing SIBS as a marketing and sales tool.

This week we also cover the plight of the MV Cape Don and some of the options that could be considered by NSW Maritime and the state government, as supplied by its passionate supporters.

We also profile Gold Coast operation, Thundercat Inflatables, not only unique in Australia, but one of only a handful of companies globally making top quality rescue and racing inflatables.

Sales Pro extraordinaire, Peter Jenkins from Maritimo, reveals some of his wisdom gained from three decades in sales and how he approaches boat shows, potential clients and dealers all over the world.

And finally, Bob Wonders, my colleague from Power-boat World, shares his recollections on 30 years of his experiences at SIBS (way more than my meagre 5!) as well as how boat racing has changed over the decades, while the characters and excitement have remained the same.

Have a great show. Rug up!