Boating enthusiasts will be spoiled for choice at the 2017 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show (SCIBS) with The Boatyard precinct returning for a second year, boasting bigger space and a broader range of leading brands.
A highlight of SCIBS 2016, The Boatyard – a dedicated sport, trailer boat and watercraft precinct – was home to ski boats, cabin day cruisers, leisure boats, fishing boats, and the popular RIBs, all ideal for the Queensland lifestyle.
Held every year, the Southern Hemisphere’s premier boating festival attracts more than 40,000 marine enthusiasts from around the world to revel in the renowned event’s thriving festival atmosphere. In 2017, SCIBS will be held on May 25-28.
SCIBS sales and exhibition manager Dominic O’Brien said demand for exhibitor space in The Boatyard and comparable hardstand displays throughout The Marine Village has exceeded expectations, prompting organisers to expand the precinct in 2017. “We have allocated a larger space to The Boatyard and other hardstand displays this year due to strong advanced enquiry and bookings. This is testament to a more buoyant industry currently experiencing good sales, and the need to fuel that demand by showing new products across dedicated spaces. In all, we are very heartened by the early sign-up response, which is up 50 per cent on last year.”
Originating at The Docks and expanding to the marina, The Boatyard will cover approximately 4,500m² with provision for some on-water trials, while other comparable hardstand exhibitors will be located along Masthead Way and other areas throughout the Show.
“SCIBS 2017 is shaping up to be an incredible Show, with a vast array of boats of all sizes to suit all budgets, complemented by a program of family-friendly entertainment each day, hands-on activities, quality hospitality and a plethora of luxury lifestyle brands that add to the atmosphere,” Mr O’Brien said. “Exhibitors will benefit from our upgraded amenities and revamped layout, while visitors will be thrilled at the variety and added extras that make it a brilliant day out.”
Taking a massive 570m² space at the 2017 Show is RIB Force Inflatables, a long-time SCIBS exhibitor and proud Gold Coast business with over 25 years in the market. Director Mike Orsmond said they are looking forward to the Show, planning to display up to 45 rigid inflatable boats (RIBS) along Masthead Way, representing AB and Aurora brands.
“We will have a host of new models on show including several Australian firsts, RIBS with lots of innovations and custom-extras, plus top-secret surprises that are still under wraps,” Mr Orsmond said.
Ranging from compact tenders to larger, centre console, sports boats, the AB brand is number one in the U.S. and Caribbean. “Of special note is our 28-foot AB with joystick and twin 250hp Furados, which is the first RIB in the country with a set up like that.”
Mr Orsmond said RIBS are enjoying massive popularity, prized for their versatility and durability. “The beauty of RIBS is their safety and stability. They offer a smoother, dry, comfortable ride for more people than a conventional tinny. They are trailerable in the case of the smaller models. They are flexible enough to enjoy as stand-alone boats for day trips. They are seaworthy and can go where ordinary boats can’t, thanks to their shallow draft, deep V hull and rugged tubes.”
RIB Force has been exhibiting at SCIBS for nearly two decades, attractive to what Mr Orsmond referred to as “a sophisticated market of seasoned boaties who do their research”.
“Sanctuary Cove is known for its big white boats, which is the ideal setting for our premium brands. SCIBS has a great atmosphere. It’s very social. And May is a great time of year.”
Game and Leisure Boats will be among the key exhibitors on show in The Boatyard. Dealer Principal Graham McCloy is ecstatic to be presenting what will be among the showstoppers in 2017 – the million-dollar Grady White 375 Freedom built in North Carolina to the finest quality. “We will host the Australian debut of this beautiful 37-foot, dual console boat, positioned as the ultimate transformer,” Mr McCloy said. “It’s a giant bowrider with excellent sea-keeping ability, ideal for all kinds of boating, whether fishing, day boat or diving. Made completely of fiberglass, it features a bathroom and twin-bed cabin, AC, TV, barbeque and sink, known as a summer kitchen, and is powered by twin Yamaha 350 engines.”
Also on show from Game and Leisure Boats will be the Grady White 336 centre console, Regal 32 Express, and four smaller boats on trailers in the Grady White, Caribbean and Regal brands. An exhibitor for the past 13 years, Game and Leisure Boats return each year because SCIBS is known as “the high-quality show that attracts genuine buyers who suit our style of boat”.
Sirocco Marine North is another major exhibitor, occupying its traditional position along Masthead Way. Dealer principal Dylan Lopez said the area would be ideal for their RIB brands, which include BRIG, Williams Jet Tender and the incredible Sealegs amphibious vessel. “We are taking additional space in 2017 to display around 17 boats, some of them Australian launches, all of them unique,” Mr Lopez said.
Sirocco Marine North will host the launch of the BRIG Eagle 990 and the Williams Mini Jet, plus possibly the new Terminator Sealegs, depending on availability. “The BRIG 420 HT Sport will also be new to Aussie showgoers. The BRIG Navigator 485 will launch in Queensland at SCIBS 2017. For us, SCIBS is among the significant shows we exhibit at, along with Sydney, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Annapolis, Mandurah and Melbourne. BRIG is one of the leading brands in the world in RIBS and we are proud to bring the newest models each year. 2016 felt like a turning point after a few years of recovery post-GFC. We plan to make 2017 a huge display. We are feeling very confident. The Gold Coast is enjoying an extremely buoyant period, with the Commonwealth Games approaching, rising property prices, more boats on the water, and manufacturing coming to the fore, boosting retailers.”
For Sirocco Marine, SCIBS underpins the company’s sales momentum for the rest of the year. “SCIBS is getting bigger and better each year. The Marine Village has enhanced its retail precinct. And there are heaps of boats on the Marina,” Mr Lopez said.
Adding to the mix are QMC, one of the world’s top Sea Ray, Rayglass and Boston Whaler dealers, and a diverse range of boats from Fishing & Leisure Boats, JSW Powersports, Tige and Nautique Central, with several other dealers.
Tickets to the 2017 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show are available to purchase from www.sanctuarycoveboatshow.com.au.
For more information, or to register as an exhibitor, phone the Boat Show office at +617 5577 6011.
Running from 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.
ABOUT SANCTUARY COVE:
The $2-billion Sanctuary Cove Resort, located on the northern Gold Coast, is Australia’s leading and most successful master-planned community.
Featuring two 18-hole championship golf courses, a 226-berth marina, five-star InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort, Country Club including full fitness centre, tennis courts and 25m swimming pool, Sanctuary Cove is also home to some of the most diverse waterfront, golf course fronting or hilltop residential house and land options on the Gold Coast.
At the heart of the community is The Marine Village – Sanctuary Cove’s vibrant precinct featuring more than 80 tenancies, including a selection of retail boutiques, business services, cafes, restaurants, and bars.
(Feb-Apr2017)
