27th Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show - Day one wrap up

by Sanctuary Cove Media on 21 May 2015 Official opening of the 27th Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show saw VIPs, media, Mayor Tom Tate, the Hon Stuart Robert MP, Federal Member for Fadden and exhibitors toast the start of the 2015 edition.

Keith Allardice, Mulpha Sanctuary Cove Executive General Manager welcomed guests and Mayor, Tom Tate rang the bell, the traditional start to the show.

With more than 300 international and Australian exhibitors showcasing the very latest in boating lifestyle products over four massive days, packed with family-themed fun and entertainment, expectations are high.

By mid-afternoon of day one, exhibitors were unanimous that visitor numbers were noticeably up on previous years – “the best in five years” according to Greg Haines, marketing manager at Maritimo.

“It’s undoubtedly the best show in many years. The atmosphere is great, and that’s what people come for. Today has been constant, from 9am.”

The Midnight Express 37 Open, the US-built performance boat that is the preference of US Customs and Border Control, made its Australian debut today at SCIBS and by 9.30am, the first model in this country was sold.

Craig Rose, director at Motorline Brisbane, which represents Midnight Express, says it was an unexpected but brilliant result. “We have had non-stop enquiry over the past few days and to sell the boat on the morning of day one is fantastic! Feedback so far has been that the Midnight Express is ideal for Gold Coast boating, so we’re very positive.”

At Horizon Motor Yachts Australia, Erica Rae says the day one has been “a lot busier than we expected”.

“There has been a lot of interest in our Yacht Controller and the brand new PC52 Catamaran. We are showcasing six models at the show including the E56, E65, E70, V72, and the E88.

At Leigh-Smith Yachts, owners Ryan and Dean say their 12 boats were “full of people all day”.

“The visitor numbers are the best they’ve been in at least four years. We have a strong interest in the Alaska 47 and strong leads, possibly sales over the next few days. I’d say it’s the best opening day for a long time.”

RoseAckerie of Stefan Boating World says they have sold two boats in the Karnic and Chaparral lines, and are “very pleased with the lovely style of people at SCIBS this year”.

“There are serious buyers here. We noticed a lot of people have come this year who are looking to buy boats. One family came down from North Queensland and they’re not leaving until they buy their boat!”

Wayne Thompson from Garmin says “numbers are up and so is interest”.

“Our Forward Facing Sonar and packages are proving popular.”

Kevin Barr, director at Barz Optics, which was awarded Most Innovative Export Product for its polarized lenses and floating sunglasses was “blown away” in day one.

“It’s definitely the best start to the boat show in four to five years,” says Kevin.

Martin French from Jet Ski Boats Australia says “today was the first day the public had seen the boat on the water and we were shocked by the crowds and their level of enthusiasm for our new product”.

The concept is the combination of a wave boat and jet ski, seating up to six people for added fun on the water.
“We are feeling very confident that we will make some sales over the next few days!”

Boat Show general manager, Johan Hasser confirms that visitor numbers started strongly from gate opening at 9am and have been steady all day.

“Speaking with exhibitors, there are a lot of visitors here from interstate and New Zealand, which is excellent. The rain held off, and there is a wonderful ambience in the Marine Village. We are thrilled that exhibitors are doing so well on day one and can only look forward to more of the same in the next three days.”

Over 27 years, SCIBS has evolved to be world-renowned and a key event on the international marine industry calendar.

“SCIBS is a significant economic driver for the Gold Coast and Queensland economies, injecting around $150 million into the Gold Coast economy,” says Hasser.

This year, the Show will host a series of world and Australian launches of leading marques such as Maritimo, Grand Banks, Palm Beach Motor Yachts, Horizon, Outer Reef, Elandra Yachts and Fleming.

There will be several international brands introduced at SCIBS, among them Maverick Yachts from Cape Town, South Africa with their Maverick 440, arriving with its new owners following a circumnavigation of Australia.

Bering Yachts will also premier at SCIBS with newly appointed dealers, Ensign Ship Brokers showing the Bering 65, Namaste.

The stunning Monte Carlo MC5 will make its Queensland debut at SCIBS, fresh from winning 2014 European Power Boat of the Year.

For the multihull devotees, the Saba 50 sailing catamaran is making its Australian debut and the trailerable, performance trimaran, the Corsair Pulse 600 will have its world launch at SCIBS.

Other exhibitors include Sunseeker, Multihull Solutions, Lagoon Catamarans, Stefan Boating World, Nitro Marine, Sirocco, Raymarine, Garmin, Navico and BLA.

But it’s not all boating! Visitors will be treated to a range of the latest aircraft such as the powerful Bell 407GX helicopter from Hawker Pacific and prestige automobiles like the dynamic Maserati Gran Turismo MC Sportline from show sponsor, EuroMarque Brisbane and launching at this year’s SCIBS.

“There is so much to see and do over the four days,” states Johan Hasser. “The boat show team has pulled out all stops this year to deliver a world-class event that will satisfy seasoned boaties and those new to the boating lifestyle.

“There’s nothing like SCIBS in terms of launches, quality exhibitors and the vibrant Marine Village atmosphere that brings people back year after year! We look forward to welcoming visitors from around Australia and the world to the 27th Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show.”

Running 21 to 24 May 2015, from 9am to 5pm daily, the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show attracts more than 40,000 visitors to a spectacular showcase of more than 500 boats and 1000’s of marine products across four days.

Visitors who buy their tickets online also go into the draw to win a five night 'Whitsunday Rent-A-Yacht' charter holiday on board the Perry 43 Prestige catamaran 'Nemo', valued at $5,775.*

The show is supported by major sponsor EuroMarque Maserati Brisbane and official hospitality partner InterContinental Hotels and Resort. Tickets to the ‘Top Deck VIP Lounge’ presented by Club InterContinental are available online for $149.

For more information on accommodation, packages visit website.

To purchase tickets and directions how to get to the show visit website.

The $A2 billion Sanctuary Cove Resort, located on the northern Gold Coast, is Australia’s leading and most successful master-planned community.

Featuring two 18 hole championship golf courses, a 330 berth marina, five-star InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort, Country Club including full fitness centre, tennis courts and 25m swimming pool, Sanctuary Cove is also home to some of the most diverse waterfront, golf course fronting or hilltop residential house and land options on the Gold Coast.

At the heart of the community is The Marine Village – Sanctuary Cove’s vibrant precinct featuring more than 80 tenancies, including a selection of shopping, cafes, business services, restaurants and bars.