SCIBS 2019 opens to a sea of optimism as buyers descend on maritime heaven!
by Sanctuary Cove Media 23 May 2019 02:44 PDT
23-26 May 2019
Day 1 - 2019 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show © Sanctuary Cove Media
The 2019 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show (SCIBS) has laid anchor at the perfect time, with the end of election uncertainty putting a spring in the step of buyers and a smile on the face of exhibitors at the event's opening day.
Five days after the Federal Election, the annual maritime showcase opened under dazzling blue skies on the Gold Coast as the first wave of an expected 45,000-plus visitors streamed through the gates.
Much more than a 'trade day', the first day of the show is a traditional indicator of buyer sentiment and exhibitors have reported good signs among keen boaties, experienced owners and visitors from around the world.
Brisbane Yamaha's Aaron Goodchild, who is also a dealer for the Quintrex range of aluminium boats, said he was ecstatic with their opening day results.
"I have been exhibiting here for 25 years and this year's show has attracted the largest number of trailer boat customers ever," he said, with his team selling boats within 30 minutes of the show opening at 9am.
"We have a 6.4m Baysport boat with 150hp Yamaha engine for $59,990 in our range this year and we have sold three already today. If this continues, it will be a record show for us."
LS Yachts' Dean and Ryan Leigh-Smith said they had enjoyed a "fantastic" opening day on the back of last weekend's election result.
"Consumer confidence is extremely high, with many praises to the election of the Scott Morrison-led Government," they said.
"We've sold a new Alaska Motor Yachts 49 Sedan and had a deposit paid on the new Fairline GT48 Gran Turismo."
Maritimo has kicked off its SCIBS campaign with the world premiere of the much-anticipated X50, which it has taken six deposits for sight unseen.
"The owners have had their first sight of the stunning X50 today and they're rapt," Maritimo General Manager Operations Phil Candler said.
"We have signed another couple of contracts today, including a 59, which is extremely pleasing. It's feeling like a fantastic show."
Riviera Owner Rodney Longhurst said the opening day had been encouraging for his team, with visitors particularly impressed with the luxury boat builder's all-new Platinum Edition Sport Yachts and 54 Enclosed Flybridge.
"The reaction from people who have stepped aboard the new models has been outstanding," he said.
"People who haven't seen a Riviera before or for a while are commenting on the world-class quality and how they are inspired by the show.
"The crowds have been very good and we've also had a lot of comments about the display and how easy the boats are to see. Having 12 boats side by side and the ability to compare different models has been welcomed by serious boat buyers."
Horizon Yacht Australia's Mark Western is displaying a stellar line-up of superyachts, including the new Horizon RP110, priced from $13 million, which has captivated visitors with its presence as it towers above the marina.
The Horizon FD77 Skyline is also attracting its share of attention as it makes its debut at SCIBS 2019.
"There's a really positive atmosphere," Mr Western said.
"We have several customers here today who are looking to scale up their yachts to 100ft and above, which is wonderful. We will definitely have some sales to celebrate over the next day or so."
Whitehaven is celebrating the Queensland debut of the peacock-blue hulled Harbour Classic 40, which is scintillating in the sunshine in its prominent position on the marina.
Whitehaven co-founder Bruce Scott said the response to the new model had been "overwhelmingly positive".
"We have been inundated with visitors who have all heard about the Harbour Classic 40 and are intrigued," he said.
"They say the reality lives up to our promises, which is very pleasing to hear."
Mr Scott said the first day of SCIBS had proven to be a "strong buyer's day".
"We're confident of signing a few contracts imminently," he said.
The Harbour Classic 40 is flanked by the Whitehaven 6100 Coupe, Elementa, which has already sold, and the Whitehaven 6000 Flybridge, the brand's most popular model.
Sales have also been recorded at Integrity Motor Yachts, with the purchase of two units celebrated – a 340 Sedan and a new-generation Integrity 380 SX.
"The SX range has been very well accepted and we're thrilled," Integrity Motor Yachts Director Bruce Scott said.
"We're sure the brand is going to grow and thrive and SCIBS is the ideal showcase for our boats."
Princess Motor Yachts Dealer Principal Greg Haines, a SCIBS veteran since the inaugural event, is extremely satisfied with the turnout on Day 1.
"We've been constantly busy with current Princess owners and people new to the brand," he said.
"There's a lot of interest, particularly in the Australian premiere of the new V65. There are a lot of high-quality buyers here today and they are asking all the right questions."
QMC has five boats on water in the Boston Whaler, SeaRay and Mastercraft marques, with Dealer Principal Andrew Bennett saying: "It's a good, strong start for a first day.
"Crowds have been steady and we have already sold a 30ft Boston Whaler to a new customer. We have plenty of current owners coming to the show and we hope to get at least a dozen boats sold over the four days."
Clipper Motor Yachts' Brett Thurley said numbers on the marina were pleasing.
"It's early days but we're seeing good quality people and we're confident of getting plenty of boats away," said Mr Thurley, who represents brands including Cobalt, Bennington Pontoon boats and Clipper, as well as the innovative Hydrohoist.
"We have three new models on show on-water - the Hudson Bay 39, 350 and 470 – and they are attracting a lot of interest."
Hurricane Pontoon Boats had several strong enquiries by mid-morning, with previous prospects returning with buying on their mind.
"There have been a lot of hot leads and we're confident we will make some good sales here across the four days," said Marketing Manager Paul Atallah.
"Along with several other models, we have the brand new WB236 model, which is a 7.2m party boat with wet bar, canopy, great sound system and heaps of room. People are really loving the bigger pontoon boats."
eyachts' Peter Hrones has an expansive display on-water this year, including the all-new Greenline neo, a true entertainer's yacht that also boasts four-berth accommodation, a barbecue and a myriad of features for a great day or weekend on the water.
He is also representing Axopar motor yachts, from Finland, which proved extremely popular last year.
"We sold eight boats last year, including a few Greenlines, and we've sold a Greenline 37 already today, so we're hoping that momentum continues and we have an even better show than last year," Mr Hrones said.
Polish-built brand Galeon Motor Yachts, making its debut in Australia, is creating a huge buzz on the marina, with passers-by commenting on the fold-out balconies that the 510 Skydeck and 460 Fly models boast in 'Beach Mode', which is unique to Galeon.
"They certainly have the 'wow factor'," said Alexander Marine Australia Dealer Principal Todd Holzapfel.
"There are a great number of people on the marina today and they are telling us the Galeon boats are really ticking boxes.
"We have people coming back tomorrow to see them again, which is a positive sign."
Also in the Alexander Marine Australia line-up are the 40th anniversary edition Ocean Alexander 88 Skylounge and the Ocean Alexander 70e.
"We have met several new customers who have expressed interest in the Ocean Alexander range," Mr Holzapfel said.
"It's great to meet new people and introduce them to our exciting products."
In the Marine Village, Neil Webster from Sirocco Marine and representing BRIG inflatables said the traffic had been steady, with visitors brought out by the good weather and strong show offering.
"It's been very, very good," he said, indicating the company had sold "quite a few new boats across the range to new customers".
"We've had strong interest across the range and we have a lot of solid leads for the BRIG Eagle 10, which is the flagship of the brand. Visitor quality is excellent – even better than last year. People are expressing they are intent on buying."
Australian Day Boat Specialist and the Toy Shop Director Mark Riley said the marine industry was relieved the election was over.
"People are in a really positive mood," he said.
"We have noticed a lot of interstate visitors today, which is great. SCIBS is the ideal show for us because of its mix of locals, new buyers, interstate and international visitors, and customers we've known for many years."
JSW Marine, the world's leading SeaDoo retailer, is positioned opposite the boat show entrance, exhibiting Seafox boats and Malibu boats, in addition to the Seadoo range of PWCs.
"We have seen a lot of people who are coming to SCIBS after previously making enquiries," JSW Marine's Anthony Antees said.
"We've made eight or so sales already and heaps of potentials that will close over the next few days.
"It's shaping up to be a great show."
SCIBS 2019 was officially opened this morning with the traditional bell signal, the honour this year going to the Honourable Cameron Dick MP, Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning.