Applications up by 50 per cent on 2016, plus early bird tickets on sale this Friday
MORE than 100 prominent marine brands have already rushed to secure space at the 29th Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show (SCIBS) following the launch of exhibitor bookings just three weeks ago.
Held from May 25 to 28, 2017, the Show is poised for a bumper year buoyed by the convergence of three major marine conferences on the Gold Coast, bringing thousands of international and Australian delegates to the city.
The Gold Coast will play host to the International Council of Marine Industry Associations (ICOMIA) and International Federation of Boat Show Organisers (IFBSO) at the same time as the Show, while InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort will again stage the Australian Superyacht and Marine Export Conference (ASMEX) in the lead-up to SCIBS 2017.
SCIBS sales and exhibition manager Dominic O’Brien said exhibitor bookings were up 50 per cent on the same time last year, with major brands quick to secure prime positions following the success of SCIBS 2016.
“There has been continual enquiry since applications opened, and exhibitors have been committing to larger spaces with more boats,” Mr O’Brien said.
“The pavilions are selling swiftly and AIMEX Alley will be expanded in 2017 due to demand for this space.
“All space across our pavilions sold out by February 2016, so we encourage potential exhibitors to get in soon to secure the space they want for SCIBS 2017.”
Mr O’Brien said The Boatyard will also be back next year – this time connected to The Docks as one large space dedicated to trailerable boats from six to nine metres.
“We have experienced strong demand already, and if it continues we will look to allocate additional trailer boat space at the front of the show,” he said.
Additional marina berths will be made available to cater for a larger number of on-water displays, specifically with growth in luxury charter superyachts anticipated following the success of their attendance in 2016.
Among the first exhibitors to join the ocean’s finest are Line 7, Sirocco Marine North, Leopard Catamarans, Multihull Solutions, Multihull Central, Akzo Nobel (International Paint), Garmin, AMI Group, Pantaenius, Contender Sailcloth, Ronstan International, Stella Systems, Navico, Collins Marine, Pacific Motor Yachts, Fleming Motor Yachts and many more.
Pacific Motor Yachts’ managing director Brett Thurley said the brand will be amongst the largest exhibitors on water next year, with SCIBS 2017 being their biggest display ever.
“We are planning to display boats from the Clipper, Jeanneau power, Cobalt and Marlow ranges, including three world premieres for Clipper,” Mr Thurley said.
Thurley and his team will present the Cordova 51, Hudson Bay 54 and Hudson Bay 39 – all 2017 models making their debut at SCIBS.
“The new Clipper motor yachts will be a step change from anything seen before including European-inspired interiors, the launch of a new large volume semi-displacement sedan range and a stunning new Marlow 53.”
This will be complemented by three Australian premieres for Cobalt – the R5 WSS Surf edition, 25 SC outboard and 26 SD. The new Marlow 53 Explorer will also make its Australian premiere, adding to the buzz around Pacific Motor Yachts.
“The Australian buyers want to touch and feel new models and research what’s new. SCIBS allows us to bring together potential buyers in a relaxed atmosphere across the four day,” Mr Thurley said.
Sam Nicholas from Fleming Motor Yachts Australia is a long-time SCIBS exhibitor and will be displaying a Fleming 65 at SCIBS 2017, an iconic model not seen at the Show since 2010.
“The Fleming 65 was launched in 2005 with hull number one retained by Tony Fleming himself and named ‘Venture’,” Mr Nicholas said.
“In addition to the 65, Fleming Yachts also offer 55, 58 and 78 models, all of equal timeless design and built like a passage-maker should be.”
SCIBS 2017 is shaping up as a big year for multihulls, both sailing and power. Among those already confirmed on water are Multihull Solutions, a stalwart exhibitor that always has the right product at SCIBS to reap sales success.
Multihull Solutions’ managing director Mark Elkington said SCIBS was an essential show on their calendar.
“SCIBS delivers around 12 to 15 per cent of our annual new boat sales in Australia, so it is a very important event for us,” he said.
In 2017, Multihull Solutions will showcase the Lucia 40 and Helia 44 Evolution sailing catamarans by Fountaine Pajot, as well as the MY37 Motor Yacht by Fountaine Pajot Motor Yachts.
Leopard Catamarans will also have a strong presence at SCIBS 2017. David Flynn, who represents the brand in Australia, said the Leopard 45 and the award-winning 43 Powercat will both debut at the Show.
“The first vessel globally was sold to an Australian customer who intends to travel around the Pacific. Also, the new Leopard 43 Powercat that we’ll display is pre-sold, joining a number sold in Australia,” Mr Flynn said.
Designed and built in South Africa, Mr Flynn said the Leopard brand was renowned for its offshore capabilities, quality of build and pedigree, while the catamaran market has come of age.
“We sell boats to Queensland buyers and southern owners too. We have been exhibiting at SCIBS on and off for eight years. It works well when we have the launch of new models to market as the show reaches our demographic,” he said.
Multihull Central director Brent Vaughan said the Show was a vital part of their marketing strategy and the brand will be “in force” at SCIBS 2017.
“We will host the world launch of the new Seawind 1260, which is purpose-built for cruising the South Pacific,” Mr Vaughan said.
“It’s the successor of the Seawind 1250, with a completely new deck design, cockpit configuration and interior layout. There are a lot of enhancements that people will notice, and we think, be very impressed with.”
Also on display at SCIBS 2017 will be the Seawind 1160 Lite, which is the current model, and the Aquila 44 Powercat, which made its debut at SCIBS 2016.
“This model has an alternative interior and after SCIBS it will be the first of its kind available to the bareboat charter markets in the Whitsundays through Cumberland Charter Yachts,” Mr Vaughan said.
SCIBS general manager Johan Hasser said 2017 was shaping up to be an exceptional Show, with the first wave of exhibitor applications a huge vote of confidence for the months ahead.
“We are seeing a great combination of new product launches, innovative promotional ideas and optimistic industry sentiment about the year ahead,” Mr Hasser said.
“It’s exciting to receive such early enquiry and applications. The new configuration and added features, along with the ASMEX conference leading into SCIBS again next year, will deliver exhibitors the kind of qualified and desirable buyers they value for sales and leads long after the Show is over.
“We also look forward to welcoming international delegates from ICOMIA and IFBSO who will be on the Gold Coast during boat show time for Congress 2017.”
“We encourage businesses who intend to exhibit at SCIBS 2017 to get in touch with us before Christmas, or book their space online, to ensure they can select the best space for their product.”
In another announcement, Early Bird Tickets will be released this Friday, December 9, offering generous 25 per cent savings on single entry and multiple day passes until February 28.
Park ‘n’ Ride will operate from Movie World with a free shuttle service right to the front door. Limited onsite parking will be available to purchase online.
Visitors can purchase tickets from 9am on Friday, December 9 from www.ticketmaster.com.au or www.sanctuarycoveboatshow.com.au.
For more information, or to register as an exhibitor, phone the Boat Show office on +617 5577 6011.
