Exciting Plans for Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show

Sanctuary Cove - even more on water and undercover. Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show http://www.sanctuarycoveboatshow.com.au/

The media event was officially opened by Bob McCarthy from the Dept of Tourism, Regional Development and Industry. © Jeni Bone

The 2009 Show has a combined pavilion display of more than 8800sqm, a 22 per cent increase from 2008. The Super Yacht pavilion has almost doubled in size and will feature glass walls on two sides, presenting a spectacular view to the marina.

Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show General Manager Mark Jensen said the Show had enjoyed a really positive response from the global marine industry including 25 new exhibitors at the Show for the first time.

'Pavilions A and B are nearly booked out while current bookings for the Super Yacht pavilion have surpassed 2008 confirmed space,' said Mr Jensen.

'At this early stage, there are already close to 30 world and Australian marine launches announced for the Show with the world debut of the Navigator 42 by Norman R Wright and Sons; the world debut of Lightwave Yachts’ new Lightwave 45 Grande; and the world release of Lewmar’s new V6 and V8 vertical windlasses. '

Other releases include the Australasian debut of the Endurance 650; a southern hemisphere launch of the Ranger Tug R25; and Sunshine Coast Boat Lifts’ world release of the F Series boat lift.

Australian releases include Mastervolt’s new Digital Switching (Digital DC 10x 10A); Lowrance’s High Definition System (HDS) through exhibitor Navico and Stella Systems’ TRAC Ecological Marine Products.

International visitor inquiries have been received from China, Taiwan, Sri Lanka, the Philippines with the expectation that the Show will again parallel 2008 which saw visitors from 27 countries.

'The positive international response is a direct result of Sanctuary Cove’s extensive and long term international marketing,' said Mr Jensen.

Sanctuary Cove Manager Events and International Relations Barry Jenkins is attending the Mumbai International Boat Show with Trade Queensland this week and then visiting the Dubai International Boat Show in March. He then attends Moscow International Boat Show in April plus the China International Boat Show.

Barry Jenkins explains the international scope of SCIBS, celebrating its 21st year. © Jeni Bone

'Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show is a significant economic event for Queensland and Australia,' said Mr Jensen.

'A major Griffith University research study found the Show generates a direct economic impact of more than $A310 million to the Gold Coast which is more than five times the impact of Gold Coast Indy and three times more than Magic Millions thoroughbred event, making it the must see event on the Queensland events calendar,' he said.

In other news, online ticket sales will be available from next week. Online general admission prices have been frozen at 2008 prices at $A22 for adults, $A19 concession, $A8 child (8 to 14 years) with children under 8 free. This year, a family pass will be available online for $A50 (two adults, two children), while a Two Day pass will be available for $A40. Conditions apply.

The online pre-purchased tickets offer a small discount over the event day entry prices of $A23 adult, $A20 concession and $A9 child. Conditions apply.

The 2009 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show is staged 9am to 5pm daily, Thursday, May 21 – Sunday, May 24 at Sanctuary Cove, Queensland, Australia. The Show is staged by Mulpha Sanctuary Cove. For details view: www.sanctuarycoveboatshow.com.au

Sanctuary Cove’s Mark Jensen said improvements to transport arrangements would further streamline visitor entry.

'Recent Shows have attracted more than 50,000 visitors via park ‘n’ ride, water taxis, ferries and helicopter transfer to the extensive marine site.

'This year we have reconfigured the marina displays to ensure there is a spacious water transport drop off area around G and H marina arms for the pre-arranged water taxi and ferry transfers.

'To further promote smooth entry, all park ‘n’ ride visitors will be sold tickets at their arrival on site with a new entry statement to the Show which should impress our international and Australian visitors and buyers.'

There is no on site public parking at the Show. Visitors can instead choose park ‘n’ ride, water transport by water taxi or ferry, limousine or taxi drop off or helicopter drop off. There is no private boat mooring however boat owners can moor at the Coomera River with transfers for a gold coin donation by Volunteer Marine Rescue.

Valued sponsors for the 2009 event include Club Marine, Trade a Boat, BoatPoint.com.au and Maritme Safety Queensland. Media partners are Classic Hits 4KQ and 92.5 Gold FM.