25th Sanctuary Cove- launches, opinions, sales, salute to a top event
by Jeni Bone, editor on 28 May 2013
As the rain tumbles on Queensland's Gold Coast, it really doesn't matter much to most of the exhibitors and organisers of the 25th annual Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show. The planets aligned this year and tropical cyclones and torrential rain were held at bay (Jesus was a fisherman, remember) for the four-day event, much to the relief of all involved.
Visitors came in strong numbers, 1% up on last year, and they brought their wallets and an appetite for the boating lifestyle - from ornaments and decor items to top shelf binoculars, PFDs, books, nav equipment and apparel, to some of the most stylish and impressive boats on the market, all experienced astounding results that indicate a 'bounce back' to boating.
'People are sick of sitting on their hands,' said a weary, but elated Brett Thurley of Pacific Motor Yachts of the feedback from show crowds. 'It began to turn for us about 5 weeks ago, when people starting showing serious interest again in negotiating to buy a boat.'
This was just one of many similar opinions over the course of SCIBS, as well as at Marine Auctions event on Sunday, where Adrian Seiffert reported an ebullient crowd of more than 200 registered bidders, and over at Grant Torrens International Marine on Sovereign Islands, the team said they enjoyed 'unprecedented sales' at their lifestyle show.
So, read on. We have the fullest of the full coverage of the 2013 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, with first-hand accounts from the sales, marketing and management teams who attended - a great cross section of exhibitors and more to come later this week (as fast as our little fingers can type!) including post-event rundown on the outcomes of ASMEX, which by all accounts was a dynamic and highly valuable forum for networking and sharing ideas.
Those delegates who I spoke with were in awe of the program and calibre of presenters. A full wrap up including their comments shortly.
It was great to catch up with everybody again and especially enjoy four days of pleasant Queensland weather, as well as absorb all the exciting products and strategies of some of the marine industry's most innovative companies. It's a pleasure working alongside such dedicated and hardy people. Congratulations on your efforts one and all!
And now, Sydney International Boat Show looms, just two months from now. Again, we will have the biggest contingent of journos there, with an exciting new broadcast initiative that will take coverage to a new level.
To get in early and book your spot, just email editor(at)marinebusiness-world.com
Keep sending your post-boat show news and any story leads you'd like us to follow up.
If you want to link to this article then please use this URL: www.sail-world.com/109936