Sales top millions at Sanctuary Cove Show

by Kate Duryea on 21 May 2006 Direct sales from Australia's 2006 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show have topped $76.5 million by 4pm on the final day of the 18th annual event.

A poll of 11 exhibitors with a cross section of boats from large, luxury cruisers to sports runabouts revealed millions of dollars of confirmed sales signed during the four days. Many dealers have indicated they have a full week of demonstrations for prospective customers following the Show.

Exhibitors were impressed with the organisation of the Show and the quality of the people attending.

Sunrunner’s Paul Smithson said that last year’s Sydney show was their best ever however it has been surpassed by the 2006 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show with sales exceeding $A7 million. He said he was particularly impressed with the response to Sunrunner’s new 3100.

The British-built luxury motor yacht, Sunseeker, had more than $A20 million in sales and contracts awaiting finalisation. Sunseeker’s Rick Rodwell said six boats were sold and described the 2006 Show as the most successful boat show they’d ever enjoyed in Australia.

Australia’s largest luxury boat manufacturer Riviera reported sales in excess of $A25 million. Riviera’s Managing Director Dealer and Owner Care Brett Thurley said that interest was very strong for their flybridge range including the 42, 47, 51 and 57. There was also strong interest in the sports boat range including the 3600 Sports Yacht.

'We put a lot of preparation into the Show and we worked very hard to be competitive with pricing and our new product development,' he said. 'By January next year, the factory plans to launch a new boat every 90 days for the next two years.'

In addition, Riviera signed six new dealers including Singapore, Korea, Noumea and Shanghai.

Precision Cruisers sold five boats at $A11 miillion – three going overseas and EC Marine sold three Fountain Pajots at $A1.7 million.

Maritimo came to the Show with a large number of orders already in place for their new Maritimo 48. However, a number of new orders were taken at the Show including one from a buyer who had already placed a deposit on another boat and when he saw the Maritimo 48, he said 'Mate, that’s for me.'

Ormonde Britten from Maritimo said that another buyer placed an order for the Maritimo 60 at the launch of the 48 on the day prior to the Show.

Sea Ray reported around $A2 million in sales with interest being shown in the new 380 Sundancer and two Albemarle offshore fishing boats were sold. These imported craft debuted at Sanctuary Cove in Australia.

Michael Ross, Sea Ray’s National Business Manager said that the Show had been brilliant and they would be flat out for the next two weeks with demonstrations for prospective buyers.

Australian manufacturer Mustang - up until lunch time Sunday - had sold 11 boats valued at $A3 million including four powered by the revolutionary Volvo Penta IPS.

Bellingham Marine, which manufactures and installs marina berths, on Thursday of the Show landed a contract to install 40 domestic pontoons at the new Riverlinks Estate.

It is the biggest single sale Bellingham Marine has made in Australia.

The 2006 event created an exhibitor record of 424. Confirmed water craft numbers were 360 on water and a further 457 craft on land.

At the close of the Show Sunday, organisers said visitor numbers had equalled 2005 however final numbers would not be known until Monday morning.

The international business lounge recorded overseas visitors from China, Korea, Spain, Thailand, Taiwan, Brazil, Sweden, USA, New Zealand. Other exhibitor executives or media came from South Africa, France, Italy and the UK.

Sponsors include: Channel 7, Creek to Coast, Trade A Boat, Radio 4KQ, The Gold Coast Bulletin, 92.5 Gold FM, Queensland Government, Maritime Safety Queensland, Gold Coast City Council, Hyatt Regency Sanctuary Cove. Supported by Ford.