The Southern Hemisphere’s largest celebration of boating and marine innovations returns to the Gold Coast in May, with the 28th edition of the annual Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show (SCIBS) on course for a truly spectacular showcase.
Each year, the internationally acclaimed show attracts close to 40,000 boating enthusiasts from around the world to revel in the four-day event’s thriving festival atmosphere, held from May 19 to 22, 2016.
SCIBS’ 28th edition will again transform Sanctuary Cove’s pristine marina and green expanses of the chic Marine Village into a bustling industry mecca, as the world’s biggest names in boating stage exciting product reveals and demonstrations to enthralled crowds.
As the first event on the Australian boating calendar each year, SCIBS is regarded as the place “where the marine business does business” – bringing industry leaders and dealers together in one spectacular exhibition, representing everything from luxury vessels to trailer boats, and offering an unrivalled showcase of the latest and greatest makes, models and products.
Injecting up to $150 million into the local economy each year, SCIBS general manager Johan Hasser said the annual Show had become an all-round marine-themed lifestyle event that appeals to the likes of all – from those seeking leisure and recreational style products, through to serious boating enthusiasts.
“Whether you’re in the market for a jetski, stand up paddleboard, chartering a boat for your next family vacation or looking to buy a yacht, SCIBS really is the ideal place to experience every facet of the boating and luxury lifestyle,” Mr Hasser said.
“Show-goers can expect displays from up to 300 long-term and new exhibitors, boasting hundreds of boats and thousands more marine products.
“To enhance our visitor experience we have added a number of new attractions, including dedicated product precincts and special-themed events – alongside our all-day family-friendly entertainment and popular program highlights.”
A collation of the world’s most renowned brands in the boating, leisure and luxury lifestyle industries will launch new products and display their offerings at this year’s Show, with Whitehaven, Maritimo, Monte Carlo, Elandra, Palm Beach, Integrity, Alaska and Horizon, among the long-list of high-calibre exhibitors in attendance.
The event will also showcase the largest and most significant multihull display seen in Queensland, with catamaran exhibitors, including Multihull Solutions, Multihull Central, Leopard, Marine Engineering Consultants (MEC), Horizon, Lightwave, Bavaria (Nautitech) and The Windcraft Group, increasing their on-water presence.
Reflecting a commitment to evolve, SCIBS 2016 has unveiled new precincts to its revised Show layout including ‘The Boatyard’, and ‘Supercar Street’ – allowing visitors to experience for the first time ‘shows within the show’.
Located close to the iconic waterfront George’s Paragon restaurant and adjacent to C Pier, The Boatyard offers over 2,000sqm of prime display space for fishing and leisure boat exhibitors to showcase their latest makes and models.
Featuring leading distributors such as Northside Marine, Game and Leisure Boats, Queensland Marine Centre (QMC) and Fishing and Leisure Boats, The Boatyard ensures visitors, who are interested in fishing, leisure, and day boats, have close to 100 vessels all in the one, designated space with sea trials available on consultation for qualified buyers to test products.
Also a new addition to SCIBS 2016, Supercar Street will bring the best luxury brands from all over the world together for a covetable display of sports, convertible, luxury, prestige vehicles and supercars all in one red-hot location.
Dubbed the “biggest aggregation of luxury cars in Australia” by the Show’s organisers, Supercar Street will complement the always spectacular display from major sponsor Maserati EuroMarque Brisbane. With a covetable selection of vehicles from Lamborghini, Bentley, Porsche, Rolls Royce, Aston Marton, McLaren, Mercedes and more on show, Supercar Street will transform SCIBS into an event not just for boat lovers, but car enthusiasts as well.
Among notable changes, The Superyacht & Marine Pavilion has relocated alongside the Main Pavilion, encouraging foot traffic through an engaging display of Australian-made products, global service providers and the latest gear and gadgets: navigational equipment, propellers, pontoons, interior items and marinas offering berths for lease or sale.
A range of stalwart exhibitors returning to the Main Pavilion this year include leading global electronics manufacturer Navico, Garmin and Fusion along with Swift Marine and AMI.
Offering an array of new products catering to every segment of the marine and leisure industries, the upcoming Show is also expected to attract entry level through to adventure-seeking power sport boating enthusiasts – having confirmed an extensive range of new recreational and performance products from Australia’s leading water sport brands.
For those interested in active water sports, SCIBS will showcase a gamut of recreational water sports gear and boating, from the latest stand up paddleboards (SUPs) and kayaks to full-throttle personal water crafts (PWCs).
Among major PWC exhibitors on display throughout The Marine Village, will be Gold Coast WaveRunners, JSW Powersports and Jet Ski World, alongside industry-leading gear and diving aid brands.
Adding to the Show’s jam-packed four-day calendar, SCIBS 2016 will see the return of popular program highlights including the exclusive Top Deck VIP Lounge, the International Business Lounge, on-water demonstrations and the Women on Water (WOW) program – set to feature a range of nautical themed workshops along with its annual ticketed event, High Tea on the High Seas Cruises.
This year, two cruises are available – held on Friday, May 20 and Saturday, May 21 – offering two-and-a-half hours of luxury cruising, complimentary bubbles, high tea delicacies, pampering sessions, entertainment, exclusive prizes and more.
In addition to program highlights, SCIBS will offer an array of entertainment for the whole family with live music, on stage exhibitions, demonstrations, celebrity appearances and special kid’s zones, while SCIBS official ambassador
Paul Burt is set to launch an all-new fishing tournament titled the 2016 SCIBS Live Bream Shoot Out.
The Shoot Out will be a family-friendly, winner takes all contest, held over the Saturday and Sunday, from May 21 to 22 – bringing another fresh element to an already diverse program of events at this year’s Show.
A trade and consumer show endorsed by Tourism & Events Queensland, SCIBS is a member of the International Federation of Boat Show Organisers (IFBSO).
Running May 19 to 22, 2016 the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show will feature a spectacular showcase of hundreds of boats and thousands of marine products across four entertainment-filled days.
SCIBS 2016 offers FREE park ‘n’ ride services from Warner Bros. Movie World, along with on-site parking, available pre-paid only.
Tickets to SCIBS 2016 are on sale at www.sanctuarycoveboatshow.com. Tickets are also available at the gate. For more information on exhibitors and entertainment, please visit www.sanctuarycoveboatshow.com
