Easy transport for SCIBS

When the 23rd Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show opens on the Gold Coast on Thursday, May 19, visitors will find it easier than ever to reach the very popular venue -- which this year will feature more than 380 exhibitors on the marinas and in the two large pavilions and on the sprawling hardstand space.

There are now two park 'n' ride options for visitors. Those coming from the south can take Exit 66 from the M1 Motorway to Parklands and then take a luxury coach transfer to the show. Those coming from the north can take Exit 54 from the M1 to the Foxwell Road exit and then travel to the Riviera factory car park from which a regular half hour ferry will operate across the water to the boat show. Both park 'n' ride transfers are included in the cost of parking. Train ticket holders can take a complementary shuttle from the Helensvale station.

Of course, for those with deeper pockets, there are the usual helicopter transfers, water taxis and fleets of limos laid on by various luxury boat manufacturers.

The general manager of marketing and events for the show, Sue Thomson, says exhibitors from Asia, North America and the Pacific region will join the usual local line-up of exhibitors. The four-day show will run from 9.00am to 5.00pm from Thursday to Sunday,

Visitors can inspect more than 160 boats on the water and hundreds more vessels, personal watercraft and marine products throughout the Waterfront Village.

Some of the newly-announced products at the show include the Australian release of the Cabo 40 Flybridge Zeus, the world release of the Argus E35 (pictured), the Australian launch of the Lightwave Yachts 45 GT and the world release of the Simrad touchscreen NSS Sport electronics system.

Online ticket prices are $22 for a one day adult ticket, $19 for a concession ticket, $40 for two days and $75 for four days. Children under 14 have free entry.

Marine Queensland CEO Don Jones will present seminars on three topics: Grey imports -- what's being done to protect Australian industry; Grey imports -- the pitfalls of importing your own boat; and Marine Parks closures and exclusion zones.

There will also be a number of fishing seminars each day including 'extreme' fisherman Paul O'Leary (pictured).