2007 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show

by Kate Duryea on 23 Mar 2007 The 2007 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show will be the venue for 18 world launches and dozens of Australian releases. The upcoming 19th annual Australian show from May 24 to May 27 has also attracted international attention with delegations from Taiwan and China.

Enhanced on-water display space means visitors can view 3.7km of on-water displays plus a further 16,000sqm of pavilion and open-air exhibits. The Show has received more than 400 exhibitor applications.

In just some of the world launches by Australian companies:

• Australian company Suncoast Yachts is unveiling the Suncoast 65 Jalun, a 20m flybridge sailing catamaran featuring four cabins and an Asian-inspired interior with suede and bamboo;

• LeisureCat Australia is showcasing the 350 Deepwater and the 8000 Series Westerner, both Australian designed and built models. LeisureCat’s Kevin Horsely says Deepwater is Australia’s first production 39ft powered catamaran which can accept both inboard diesels including IPS and transom mounted shafts as well as the new range of 275-350hp outboard engines;

• Powercat Marine is releasing the 2500 Sports Fisherman;

• And The Haines Group is launching worldwide four Signature models – the Signature 580F, 580C, 600C and 625F.

'The Show really is a wonderful opportunity for Australian manufacturers and service providers to reach key export markets and international buyers,' said Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show general manager Barry Jenkins. Next month, Mr Jenkins travels to Shanghai for the China International Boat Show.

'We’ve also found many major international brands use the Show to introduce the latest products to Australian and New Zealand buyers,' he added.

There are significant displays of leading international brands. Sunseeker is bringing its largest and most valuable display ever staged at Sanctuary Cove in 2007. High performance motor yacht the Predator 72 makes a Queensland launch alongside top Sunseeker models in an expanded floating exhibition worth $A25 million.

Riviera’s R Marine Dealer network displays six Princess motor yachts and Salthouse Marine is releasing the new model Salthouse 57.

Australian releases at Sanctuary Cove include Alaska Motor Yachts’ 38ft sedan; Cruisers Yachts Australia’s 390 Coupe and 300 CXI in a southern hemisphere launch; and E Marine’s introduction of the Back Cove 29 Hardtop and 26. The new Monterey Boats’ 220EX Explorer and 234FS/FSX sports boats are shown by Squadron Boat Sales.

Mustang Marine is releasing the M43 Sports Flybridge and is showcasing the M37 and M41, the first time the new Mustang Sports Flybridge range is displayed in Australia.

New sailing models sure to interest visitors include a 7.64m Folkboat, the new Hanse 470e, a Hunter Marine 45CC and Melges 24.

'The Show has a huge array of marine products with electronics, engines, lighting, marine accessories, super yacht services, designers and marine construction companies,' said Mr Jenkins.

'Offshore Marine Technology is releasing the Flip Up seat under the Navigator brand and New Zealand’s Tallon Marine is launching a secure connection system for marine accessories. Superior Marinas, which installed the Capri Marina System at Sanctuary Cove, is using the event itself to launch the system,' said Mr Jenkins.

'We’re encouraging visitors to buy a season pass as there’s so much so see.' Boat Show entry fees remain at 2006 prices at: Adults $A21, Concession $A18, Children 5-14 years $A7 and children under five years free (prices include GST). Season passes available.

There is no public parking on site however there are streamlined park ‘n’ ride, water taxi, helicopter, limousine and taxi drop off connections. Boat show hours are 9am to 5pm daily. www.sanctuarycoveboatshow.com.au

Valued sponsors of the 2007 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show include Club Marine, Trader Classifieds, Channel 7, Classic Hits 4KQ, The Gold Coast Bulletin, Queensland Government, Maritime Safety Queensland, Gold Coast City Council, Hyatt Regency Sanctuary Cove and supporter Ford Australia.

www.sanctuarycoveboatshow.com.au