Sailing into Sanctuary Cove Show

by Rob Kothe on 20 May 2008 As of today the Show has 452 exhibitors and at least 127 world and Australian marine product launches. There are 400 boats on water plus hundreds of other boats and marine products through pavilion and hardstand displays.

Whilke this show does not attract the audience of Sydney International Boat Show, there are a huge number of exhibitors. This is a show where you can just about wear out a pair of boat shoes. Sail-World will be at the Show from sparrows' on Thursday along with sister publications Mariner Business News and Powerboat-World.

We will be providing daily reports from the Show. Sail-World spoke to said Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show general manager Barry Jenkins last week.

'There are literally hundreds of millions of dollars of vessels on Show here ranging from super yachts to Australian and imported luxury cruisers, sail boats, trailerable craft, inflatables and marine engines and electronics,'

'We know we have people flying in from all over the world for the event - just this week we’ve taken calls from the US from buyers looking to visit the Show,' said Mr Jenkins.

Sail-World will bring news comments from the Sailing pond exhibitors and from sailing oriented exhibitors from around the show.

Dignitaries and international guests will be attending the invitation-only Official Opening on Thursday, May 22 which features Australian marine icon Bill Barry-Cotter.

Other event highlights include the Smart State Marine Industry Breakfast on Friday May 23. Open to the public, this ticketed event will feature Gold Coast City Mayor Cr Ron Clarke MBE; John Strano, the Executive Director of Manufacturing Industries and Investment, Department of Tourism, Regional Development and Industry; and a leading international futurist whose identity will be revealed on the day.

In new developments for the 20th anniversary show, Sanctuary Cove has launched an online Boat Show admission ticket facility.

Visitors can now purchase One-day or Four-Day passes directly from the website of www.sanctuarycoveboatshow.com.au

Online ticketing follows the launch last month of an accommodation booking service via the Boat Show website. Year-round, exhibitors or visitors can search more than 100,0000 accommodation options worldwide via the Global Accommodation Search system.

'These new services reinforce Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show’s status as a leading marine event in the Asia-Pacific region,' said Mr Jenkins.

There is good support from the Australian sailing industry, with many of the major brands represented. There will be new product launches from Hanse, Dufour, Dragonfly and the Australian debut of the St Francis 50, the new Catalina Morgan 440 the new Jeanneau’s Sun Odyssey 45 Deck Saloon; the launch of the Hunter 45DS in Australia and the national debut of Nautitech’s N44 and N40 catamarans.

Amongst the Pavilions you will see many sailing industry product and service companies represented.

As in past years, there is no onsite general public parking at Sanctuary Cove. However streamlined transport options make it easy to get to the Show with Park ‘n’ Ride; limousine and taxi drop off and water taxi and ferry transfers plus train connections.

Boat Show visitors can choose from a range of streamlined transport options with Park ‘n’ Ride at Parklands; taxi and limousine drop offs; helicopter transfers or ferries and water taxis. There is no private boat mooring at the Show, boats may anchor nearby in the Coomera River or adjoining waterways and Volunteer Marine Rescue offers a pick up service. For full details view www.sanctuarycoveboatshow.com.au

Admission prices are $A22 adults; $A19 concession and $A8 children (5-14 years) with children under 5 years free. (Per person per day fees, includes GST). Four-Day passes can only be purchased online or through Oztix on 1300 762 545. Prices Adults $A44, Concession $A38 and Children $A16 (includes GST, booking and credit card fees apply). For full terms and conditions view the website.

$A22, concession $19, child $8 (5 – 14 years). Children under 5 years free. (Prices include GST, credit card charges may apply).