2016 Sanctuary Cove Boat Show: Gearing up

According to the organisers of the 28th annual Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show (SCIBS), confidence is on the rise in the marine industry — especially with our export markets — and many exhibitors are turning to SCIBS from May 19-22 as a predictor of local sales activity for the year ahead.

"Our exhibitors tell us SCIBS is a litmus test of things to come for the rest of the year, particularly exporters who have a global perspective of economic factors and market trends," SCIBS general manager Johan Hasser said.

"The feeling across the board is that our exhibitors are extremely optimistic for this year’s Show. With the low Australian dollar already proving to have a positive effect on exports, it’s expected that this will reflect favourably on sales results, specifically with Australian manufacturers."

The feeling is that the favourable exchange rate could also make SCIBS more appealing for international visitors, who will now find some marine products are up to 30 per cent cheaper than they were at times of parody. SCIBS also has a real luxury product and real-estate interface reflected int he calibre of new craft on show.

Luke Durman, co-founder and director of Elandra Yachts, said he was very optimistic ahead of SCIBS 2016.

"We will have several international buyers coming to Sanctuary Cove to see the new 53 model, as well as plans for bigger models are on the drawing board," Durman said, adding that he plans to debut his boat on the American boat show circuit after SCIBS.

At Maritimo, sales and marketing manager Greg Haines said the company had ridden high on exports in the past year.

"The US has been very strong for us," he said, adding that Maritimo exports close to 50 per cent of its production. "The Aussie dollar at this level helps exports and is a barrier to imported boats.

"In 2016, we are looking forward to the world release of our M61 and the first SCIBS appearance for the S48. We consider it [SCIBS] one of the top international shows, up there with Sydney, Cannes, Miami and Fort Lauderdale. SCIBS is a great lifestyle show," he said.

In addition to major yacht launches in both power and sail, 2016 SCIBS 2016 will again have a vast array of new products catering to every segment of the marine and leisure industries.

Organisers have also introduced two new precincts — Supercar Street, with  automotive displays, and The Boat Yard, a themed section dedicated to trailerable and sportsboats. Added to this, there will be all-day family-friendly entertainment, a kids zone and on-water trials for potential buyers.

The International Business Lounge will once again welcome visiting delegations, while the Top Deck VIP Lounge, presented by Club InterContinental, offers the premium boat show experience.

Available from $149 per person, each VIP pass provides exclusive access to the Top Deck VIP Lounge, a fully catered private retreat overlooking the marina, along with a range of benefits and special offers from a hand-picked collection of luxury brands such as Maserati and Maritimo.

Complete with a well-stocked bar, free Wi-Fi access and panoramic views of the Marina, the Top Deck VIP Lounge is the perfect space where you can negotiate a deal, entertain clients, mingle with friends old and new, or simply relax and soak up the atmosphere.

Tickets to SCIBS 2016, onsite parking options and VIP packages are now available online. To purchase, visit www.sanctuarycoveboatshow.com.au.