Boats join the auction at 'The Event 2011'

by Ray White Marine on 4 Jan 2011 A series of high-performance and ultra-luxury marine vessels, from sports cruisers to luxury motor yachts, will be showcased on the Gold Coast in January as part of The Event 2011; a major annual campaign regarded as the largest real estate auction in Australia.

The Event, now in its 18th year, is presented annually by the Queensland’s largest real estate agency, the Ray White Surfers Paradise Group, and long been regarded as a litmus test for the Australian property market.

In a first for the marine industry, Ray White Marine will this year form part of The Event, which will be held over three days, January 28 to 30.

Ray White Marine will present the hand-picked collection of marine vessels on Saturday January 29 at the luxurious Palazzo Versace Ballroom, which neighbours the Marina Mirage marina where most vessels are docked for viewing.

Marine industry specialist and Ray White Marine sales and marketing manager, Mark Ali, said the luxury boat sector is gathering momentum, citing a promising lift in confidence and sales activity.

'Interest in top end luxury marine vessels is on the rise as buyers return to the post-GFC environment,' Mr Ali said.

'Obviously, production of new vessels has slowed compared to back in 2007 so that is creating demand for high-quality well maintained stock. There is a lot of interest circling the $200,000-plus price segment, which is very encouraging.'

Heading to The Event is an ultra-luxury 2007 Platinum V65 Princess which features twin 1360hp MTU diesel engines, and bow and stern thrusters, has been meticulously maintained and presented, suited perfectly to a new boat buyer at less than half the new boat price.

A Superhawk 43 in as-new condition with Twin 350hp Volvo diesels is one of various high-performance vessels being showcased along with an exquisitely finished four-cabin Sunseeker Manhattan 60, set to attract the keen eye of luxury lifestyle investors.

Also being showcased is a 2007 model three-cabin Hershine 63, a 2004 Sea Ray 455, a fully-restored 20metre Long Range G Class Pilot, a 2007 Mustang 46 IPS, a 2006 luxury Princess P50, an as-new condition Riviera M370 sport cruiser, 22 metre Horizon and 72 Searanger Long Range Motor Yachts, a magnificently presented 2008 Vitech MY 76 with hard top, and an extensively re-fitted Sea Ranger 72 Pilot House MY Whitewash.

'Buyers and sellers are working at very realistic price points – there are some fantastic buying opportunities being presented at the moment,' Mr Ali said.

'More boating enthusiasts are realising that, particularly in this environment, auctions bring together the practical sellers and eager buyers - this has been a key to a lot of our nation-wide activity over the last six months.'

The Event vessels, which have come from as far as Victoria and the Whitsunday’s will be on display at Marina Oceanus, Marina Mirage up until auction day, with three Sydney Harbour-based vessels to be auctioned on the day via high-definition big screen.

In addition to the array of marine vessels, The Event’s impressive new three-day program will feature commercial, industrial, prestige properties and general residential properties, taking the annual real estate extravaganza to even greater heights.

Ray White Surfers Paradise Group CEO Andrew Bell said The Event and the Gold Coast as a destination will be exposed to more than one million people locally, interstate and internationally through a targeted and diversified marketing program.

'The Event uses a specialised approach and over years we’ve created something with its own uniqueness. Many have tried to duplicate this concept, which is certainly an endorsement,' Mr Bell said.

'Sellers have been waiting for some time to be part of The Event – they are eager and willing to sell on auction day, which is extremely attractive to buyers who only want to deal with realistic sellers.'

As an unrivalled buying and selling platform, The Event incorporates the latest in audio and visual high definition presentations, allowing the three vessels located in Sydney Harbour to be auctioned live on a big screen HD projector from the 6-star Palazzo Versace – a first for the marine industry.

The Event’s Ray White Marine auction showcase is being held on January 29th at 3pm at the Palazzo Versace Ballroom, Seaworld Drive, Main Beach.

The Event is being held on the Gold Coast, January 28-30. For information call Mark Ali on 0416 231 312 or visit www.raywhitemarine.net