2015 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show - Day 3 wrap up

by Chanelle Rodger on 23 May 2015 The first day of the weekend of the 27th Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show has again exceeded expectations attracting serious buyers and a family crowd, with plenty of Kiwi couples, interstate, drive market visitors and locals flocking to the event.

For Mark Elkington, director at Multihull Solutions, Saturday has been “crazy busy”, with all hands on deck. “We have 12 staff here and they’re all flat out on boats with people who are interested in getting in to multihulls.”

Multihull Solutions has had two first time launches at this year’s Show: the Saba 50 sailing cat and the Cumberland 47 powercat, as well as two other models. “So far it’s been like the Sanctuary Cove of old,” continued Elkington. “Great atmosphere, excellent visitor quality and for us, a 12 out of 10! We sold $5 million in seven boats last year and we’re on track to match that or better in 2015.”

Also on the marina, the team from Fab Dock are pleased with their prime location on the marina in the heart of the action, with great traffic each day. Dean Howard, director at Fab Dock said Thursday and Friday were strong and Saturday “has smashed it”.

“It’s been constant today with plenty of serious hot leads. People have been very impressed with the ease of using Fab Dock – it’s like training wheels for your boat. You just bring the bow of your boat between the yellow arms and bounce your way in – it’s like a big fender. You don’t lose a finger, you don’t even have to put down your champagne.”

Andrew Coffey dealer for Outer Reef has noticed an increase of Kiwis here for the Magic Millions sales and the Show. “Their dollar is strong and they are feeling confident. And even though the Aussie dollar is weaker, business is doing well. We are seeing a lot of new people, as well as people we have seen over the years coming back. We have had good interest from private owners and people looking to put a boat in the charter market.”

This year, Outer Reef has the new 63 model on show, as well as promotional material on display ahead of the launch of the Nautilus range of power cats and the launch of the first model in the Trident Series, with the 55 making its debut in Cannes in September.

On the Promenade, Dockwise and Sevenstar Yacht Transport are enjoying meeting up with clients and boat owners. The companies have personnel here from the Netherlands, the US, NZ and interstate, all of whom reported “quality visitors, interested in what we have to say”.

Alisha Drew, from NZ, said that while it’s essentially a branding exercise for the companies, they have received several bookings. “SCIBS is great for networking and reinforcing our relationships with boat brands and our industry contacts.”

Jocelyn O’Keefe from Whitsunday Rent a Yacht said the #gobareboating initiative, the presentation on the Channel Seven stage and new banners in their united stand had “really increased interest across the board”.

“Friday was a record breaker,” she said. “Today, the sun’s out, we’re seeing a lot of traffic on the Promenade and people are asking all the right questions,” she said.

WRAY Yacht broker, Scott Cracknell reported interest from boat owners and prospective boat owners wishing to enquire about putting their yachts into charter in the Whitsundays.

Queensland Marine Centre’s Andrew Bennett, dealer for Sea Ray and Boston Whaler has 15 boats on the water this year, from $40,000 to $2 million in price. “This is the best SCIBS for the past few years, by far in terms of the crowds and quality of interest.”

Bennett reported sales on Thursday and Friday and is expecting more over the weekend.

Maritimo’s Greg Haines said they had sold two of their world launch boats, the M48 and the M65. “We are more than happy with the sales to date and we anticipate more tomorrow and post-show.”

From Uli Boards, Tanzer Husnu and Fabio Ferraro are enjoying the sunshine at their well-positioned stand on Masthead Way. “This is our favourite show,” they said in unison. “It’s great for quality people and as a place to top up our tans! Saturday has been our best day so far. There’s genuine interest and some sales pending. We come to SCIBS because we have a guaranteed ROI and leads until the end of the year.”

Fishing and Leisure Boats also on Masthead Way have “done alright” according to Tim Stessl. “We sold three boats so far of the V16 Tracker. It’s been very good!”

Leigh Francis from All Marine Spares is adjacent to the Channel Seven stage and said he is “very happy with the B2B and public interest”.

“Saturday is always a different crowd, but we are giving out a lot of cards and taking people through the van. It has been constant all day, good quality and good numbers.”

Boat Show general manager, Johan Hasser said the boat show team is celebrating with exhibitors and has heard from many that they are having great success.

“Walking around the show, it’s great to see all the families and couples, with smiles on their faces, enjoying the ambience SCIBS is famous for, and taking advantage of the entertainment and free family activities we have on offer.”
“It’s very satisfying to know exhibitors have put a lot of effort into their displays this year, their marketing and product. We hope the weather stays beautiful and Sunday brings in another busy day on the marina, in the pavilions and around the Marine Village.

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 click here.