Barry Jenkins swaps Sanctuary Cove for 'blue horizons' in Asia

by Jeni Bone on 24 May 2010 It’s official! Barry Jenkins has stepped down from his role as General Manager of the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, replaced by Christopher Murray who worked alongside the industry dynamo this year for one week before the event, but has experienced plenty of shows over his career.

Chris, who has formerly held roles with the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron, Clipsal Australia Pty Ltd and PDL Electrical Solutions, is also a long-time boat owner who raced sailing dinghies in his teens then owned a range of pleasure and fishing boats. He has competed in marlin and offshore sportfishing tournaments, navigational log events and has delivered yachts to various ports.

Speaking of his move after 22 years at the helm, Barry explained: 'In 2008 I first stepped aside, but then when they lost Mark Jensen, I was asked to take up the role again for 2010.'

But Barry is philosophical about change, and with his characteristic enthusiasm said: 'It’s the right time. I’ve seen 22 years of a successful event and it’s now time for me to pass on my passion for the industry to young people in new markets.'

Barry plans to devote his zeal and considerable knowledge to working with the Korea Yacht & Boat Show organisers, as well as many and varied opportunities in China and Asia.

'First of all though, I am going to have a rest, take a long holiday. There are a few things internationally that I have an interest in and I’m looking forward to new horizons, as they say.'

Barry will work with emerging marine markets like Korea and China. 'I want to engender the same love of the industry and lifestyle. Australia is seen as a guiding light and they are willing to learn. I want to spend this next phase getting young people fired up about boating, and choose to contribute their talents and energy to the marine industry instead of the automotive industry, high-tech or other fields.'

In a week and a half, Barry is off to Korea to speak at a conference, then by early July, will be in China where he intends to spend plenty of time enjoying the scenery, as well as business opportunities.

Mulpha, owners of the Sanctuary Cove development and boat show, have committed to an ongoing relationship with Barry in a consultancy role for special projects. 'That gives me the flexibility and freedom to pursue new things, while maintaining the contacts here. I don’t see it as the competition, I see it as strengthening ties between Australia and Asia. It will be great for the region and will have benefits for Australian industry too.'

Tidying up on the day after the show, Barry said by all accounts, it was a 'fabulous event'. 'We are receiving a plethora of emails across the desk saying people had a great show, with excellent sales and strong leads and that they want to be involved next year. There are so many good stories from this year’s show. We’re thrilled.'

Watch this space for some of those 'good stories' as well as news from the inimitable Barry Jenkins abroad.