Buyers looking for the ultimate ocean lifestyle where they can live aboard, travel long-range distances at a relaxed pace and enjoy spacious entertainment areas need look no further than the 29th Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show (SCIBS).
Trawler boats are charting their course for SCIBS 2017, held from from May 25 to 28, with organisers confirming the largest display in recent years.
Brands to secure on-water space include Grand Banks Yachts, Fleming Yachts, Clipper Motor Yachts, Alaska Motor Yachts, Integrity Motor Yachts, Nordhavn and newcomers DeFever Yachts.
SCIBS general manager Johan Hasser said the market demand for trawler boats is increasing year-on-year with a rising trend of buyers looking for the ultimate ocean lifestyle.
“The growth of the trawler segment at SCIBS is very exciting, with our long-standing exhibitors returning and new major brands coming on board,” Mr Hasser said.
“The volume and quality of brands signing on reflects improved confidence within the industry and the growing interest in trawlers amongst experienced boaties.”
Grand Banks Yachts will stage the world launch of its highly anticipated GB60 at the Show, complemented by two nearby vessels from Palm Beach Motor Yachts.
“The GB60 is taking Grand Banks in a whole new direction in terms of appearance, performance and construction techniques,” said CEO Mark Richards, who came to Grand Banks with its acquisition of PBMY.
“We are particularly excited because this is the first collaboration effort between the design teams of both brands. The result is a better performing yacht with a fresh appearance.”
Yacht Domain director Peter Devers said the company will be debuting the Nordhavn 60 to the Australian market, while also showcasing the N52 model.
“Nordhavn aficionados will be coming from all over to see the N60,” Mr Devers said.
Leigh-Smith Yachts is bulking up its presence at SCIBS 2017 with $14 million in boats to be displayed on-water.
Director Ryan Leigh-Smith said they are looking forward to showcasing long-range brands like Alaska, Hampton and Endurance, meeting a variety of buyers’ requirements.
“Clients are savvier and more educated about the trawler market these days and they’re looking further afield and wanting more options to consider,” Mr Leigh-Smith said.
Leigh-Smith Yachts, which has displayed at SCIBS since its inception, will showcase a 47-foot Alaska valued at $1.1 million, as well as 68-foot and 72-foot Hampton vessels.
Exhibiting for the first time at SCIBS 2017 is Q7 Marine which, as the Australian and New Zealand dealer for DeFever Yachts, is bringing the renowned trawler yacht brand back to the Show.
Q7 Marine director Paul Miletta said the DeFever 55 long-range trawler will be launched in Queensland at SCIBS, following the vessel’s market debut last July.
The three-cabin vessel is powered by a single engine keel-cooled with a hydraulic system that includes hydraulic bow and stern thrusters, and hydraulic stabilisers. It also has a spacious interior with a full-beam master cabin.
“You have the toughness and long-range ability of a trawler along with the comforts of home,” Mr Miletta said.
Expanding its presence at this year’s Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show is Integrity Motor Yachts, which will feature the world launch of the largest ever Integrity vessel, the 530 Grand Sedan, in an upsized on-water display.
Integrity managing director Brett Flanagan said visitors to SCIBS would be impressed by the 530 Grand Sedan’s features such as expansive living and entertaining areas, full beam master, and the biggest cockpit in the class.
The brand will also showcase its 490 Grand Sedan, 440 Sedan and the 320 Express entry-level model at the Show.
SCIBS regular Fleming Yachts Australia returns to the Show to display the Fleming 65 for the first time since 2011.
Fleming Yachts Australia general manager Sam Nicholas said the Fleming 65 was just one of two currently in Australian waters and was being made available to exhibit at SCIBS by its Brisbane-based owner.
“Fewer people have seen the Fleming 65, and with one currently located in Brisbane belonging to an owner kind enough to allow us, we thought this year was a great time to bring it to SCIBS,” Mr Nicholas said.
Employing the same design philosophy and layout as her smaller stable mate, the Fleming 65 offers more interior and deck space, a wider beam, a walk-in engine room and greater fuel capacity.
For more information or to register as an exhibitor, visit www.sanctuarycoveboatshow.com.au or phone the Boat Show office on +617 5577 6011.
Running May 25 to 28, 2017 the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show attracts more than 40,000 visitors and 300 exhibitors to a spectacular showcase featuring hundreds of boats and thousands of marine products across four days. SCIBS offers FREE park ‘n’ ride services from Warner Bros. Movie World, along with limited on-site parking, available pre-paid.