Celebrating 30 years of success within the maritime industry, the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show has drawn to a close for another year, confirming record figures for 2018.
Said to be one of the biggest shows yet, SCIBS 2018 attracted more than 45,866 people through its gates across the four actioned-packed days – with visitor numbers up 10 per cent on last year’s Show. But the success didn’t stop there, as exhibitors achieved millions of dollars in sales across the Southern Hemisphere’s premier marine event. Offering a gamut of global launches, Australian premiers and Queensland debuts, world-leading marine brands congregated together for the Show’s 30th milestone edition.
Ensuring there was something for everyone, SCIBS’ world-class showcase featured an extravagant on-water display of 180 boats and 275 boats on land across The Marine Village precinct, along with thousands of marine products from the industry’s greatest and live entertainment for the whole family.
With more than 300 exhibitors on board, it was a successful four days for all those involved, with plans already underway for next year’s show, said SCIBS general manager Johan Hasser. “It’s been a great event. Visitor numbers are up on last year with tens of thousands of people turning out to enjoy the sunshine and the great atmosphere in The Marine Village,” he said. “Our exhibitors have benefited, with many generating major sales results and the chance to showcase their brands to tens of thousands of potential buyers. We are really pleased with the result, it’s such an important event for the marine industry, and for the local Gold Coast economy and we can’t wait to do it all again next year.”
Unveiling its new X60 in a world first at SCIBS, luxury boat builder Maritimo reported its ‘best Show since pre-GFC’, with the team hitting a new SCIBS sales record. CEO Garth Corbitt said the sales rush across the four days had put Maritimo ahead of its $37 million record, with the X60 luxury sports yacht and the S70 and M70 motor yachts attracting the biggest interest. “There were multiple X60 sales following its world premiere,” he said.
Rodney Longhurst from fellow leading Australian boat-building brand Riviera said the response they received for the 395 and Riviera 72 Sports Motor Yacht was overwhelming. “We are happy with the interest, happy with our sales. It has been great all round,” he said.
Peter Pembroke, general manager at Whitehaven and Integrity Motor Yachts, said this year’s visitor numbers were “extremely strong and good quality” and had resulted in the sale of its Integrity 320 Express and 380 Sedan Models as well as great leads for both brands.
The Multihull Group sold three of its Lagoon catamarans, the 42, 450Flybridge and a 62 at the Show taking home close to $5 million, while Horizon Motor Yachts Australia sold an E75 model for $5 million off the back of the model on display at SCIBS.
Brett Thurley from Clipper Motor Yachts said the team sold three new Hudson Bay Clipper’s valuing more than $2 million. “This year’s Show was a step up from other years in terms of the size of the Show, new products on offer and overall positive vibe,” he said.
Described as a ‘show within a show’, the new Sports, Leisure and Fishing precinct at SCIBS 2018 had something for everyone across its extensive space dedicated entirely to trailerable craft.
Marking their 29th year in attendance, HiOctane Marine showcased the all-new Glastron Deck range in the new SLF precinct – securing several sales across the Show, along with 25 on-water tests in the coming weeks.
Also locking in plenty of sea trials post Show, Queensland Marine Centre (QMC) noted strong interest for its new Boston Whaler models, as well as its 350 Realm and Sea Ray, while Hurricane Pontoon Boats had “a blinder” of a show with owner and boat show veteran Brett Flanagan noting it was the “best show in six years”.
But it wasn’t all about the boats. Major sponsor, Bentley Brisbane, sold six new Lamborghini’s and three of the new Bentley Continental GT, which had its Queensland debut at SCIBS.
Filled to the brim with an array of marine equipment, accessories, electronics and apparel, The Main Pavilion was a crowd favourite at SCIBS 2018 showcasing brands including Furuno Australia, Simrad, Lowrance, B&G and GME as well as Raymarine, who recorded a huge response to its new Axiom product.
Steve Ackerie of Stefan Boating World said SCIBS is without a doubt “the best boat show in Australia”. Joining Stefan on Masthead Way were the BRIG team, who sold most of the units on their stand, including the BRIG Eagle 10 – the first 10 metre Eagle in Queensland, a model which also piqued the interest of Gold Coast City Mayor Tom Tate.
Having transformed once again into a bustling industry mecca, the atmosphere at SCIBS 2018 was “extremely positive”, which helped boost sales all-round, according to dealer principal at RIB Force Inflatables Mike Orsmond. “Maritimo, Riviera and Integrity – all the big guys – all seem to have sold boats, which is good for us in their slipstream,” he said. “We sold a fair few small boats and some medium sized, but we are very happy to have some larger boats in the pipeline. SCIBS was great for us. We have a full year of work ahead of us.”
The 31st annual SCIBS will be held on May 23-26, 2019.
www.sanctuarycoveboatshow.com.au
