Boat Show Survey winner- Geoffrey Folliott wins $14,000 in prizes

by Jeni Bone on 18 Oct 2011 A Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show veteran, and seasoned sailor, who has done more than his fair share of boating all over the world, professionally and for fun, has taken out the prize package for completing this year's Boat Show Survey - the first of its kind in Australia.

Geoffrey Folliott, from Brisbane, has attended Sanctuary Cove 'almost every year' since its early days, both as a visitor and an exhibitor. He says he was compelled to carry out the survey since he believes 'boat shows are important for keeping the boating dream alive'.

'It's not all about massive yachts and exotic locations,' he says - himself experienced from five seasons of working as a superyacht Captain in Europe. 'Boat Shows are there to get people excited at every level of boating, from savouring the lifestyle over a glass of wine, to buying a small dinghy for your kids, or taking a charter. They need to inspire people to get up from the computer, get out of the house and enjoy the water.'

To call him passionate is an understatement. This father of two - Harrison aged four and a half and Amelia, two - and wife, Michelle, are very much involved in the boating lifestyle.

'I am a Captain by profession, I teach yachting, sail training and I am a RYA Yacht Master Examiner. I also do some private skippering now and then. I am very busy!'

Not too busy to get out on the water, enjoying many family days onboard a small sailing dinghy and other people's boats. 'Just last weekend I was out with Harrison on the Broadwater on a RIB. It will be great to have our own!'

The prize package for this lucky winner includes a Zodiac Cadet RIB, a is sturdy, sleek and spacious, 7.3’ tender, complete with Honda 5hp engine, as well as 6 x RFD Cyclone 150N jackets and 1 Kannad 406 EPIRB.
There's a $500 voucher from Australian made nautical leisure wear Shock & Oar, 6 x Liquid Image Goggles, the world’s only swim mask with an integrated waterproof digital camera, from Active Out There, 6 pairs of polarised sunglasses from BarzOptics, 4 pairs of Sperry boat shoes.

The major prize, one which will thrill the young parents, is a trip for two to Hayman Great Barrier Reef, along with Airfares and transfers to Hayman Island. The package includes 3 nights accommodation for 2 people in a fabulous Pool Deluxe Room overlooking the famous Hayman Pool and tropical gardens, daily buffet breakfast in Azure, fronting the Hayman Beach and access to plenty of activities and experiences on this superlative island resort.

'I am pretty excited,' says Geoffrey, expressing his thanks to all sponsors involved, Sanctuary Cove and the TetraMedia team. 'I answered the survey online after going to Sanctuary Cove because as both a visitor and an exhibitor, I know these are the two markets that boat show organisers need to juggle in their planning. It's a great show, we never miss it.'

Geoffrey's observations about boat shows, Sanctuary Cove and others around the country and around the world that he has attended, were insightful and echoed the feedback of many show-goers.

'There is a price point on people's relaxation time,' he explains. 'Boat shows have to be careful they don't price themselves out of existence. Even though it must get more costly every year to put on a show, potential visitors and exhibitors will only pay so much to attend. You want to be able to grab your family and pop down to the Gold Coast for the afternoon.'

That comment leads in to another - raising the concept of extended day during the boat show. 'I delivered a boat to Sanctuary Cove on the Wednesday afternoon, then went Thursday. I think, even though exhibitors enjoy the 9 to 5 routine, they are crying out for one longer day. They are paying thousands to be there, so to be able to attract the 'late starters' on a Saturday or Sunday, coming down from Brisbane or people who are waiting for the weather to decide what it's going to do, would be a real bonus.'

The prize package presentation will be held at Sanctuary Cove by the end of October.