Over 80 new exhibitors at Sanctuary Cove

The Australian boat show is staged at Sanctuary Cove on the Gold Coast in Queensland from Thursday, May 21 to Sunday, May 24.

"We are delighted given the current global climate, to enjoy such as strong response from the Australian and international marine industry with bookings continually taken from marine companies," said Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show general manager Mark Jensen.

"It's is exciting to welcome more than 80 first-time exhibitors to the Show, demonstrating there is growth in some sectors of the marine industry," said Mr Jensen.

New products confirmed at the Show include the Australian debut of the 75 Lazzara LSX and Bluewater Cruising Yachts' Bluewater 450M seen for the first time at a boat show.

The internationally acclaimed Marten 49 offers sailing luxury while first time Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show exhibitor NorseBoat introduces sailing and rowing cruiser, the NorseBoat 17.5 to the Australian market.

"This year's show not only has Australian exhibitors and manufacturers but we have also drawn exhibitors from the US, New Zealand, China and Taiwan," said Mr Jensen.

"The Show, which is a member of the prestigious International Federation of Boat Show Organisers, is seen internationally as a 'must attend' event," he said.

"Many marine companies make networking deals here and develop business-to-business sales."

Examples of launches likely to interest the marine market include Boatebiz Australia's release of the latest Jim Black Hatches from the US; Rae-Line Boat Seats' world debut of the Admiral Elite seat and Maxwell Marine's release of new RC6 and RC8 windlasses in Australia.

Online general admission prices are $A22 for adults and $A19 concession. This year, free entry for children has been extended to those aged 14 years and under. A Two Day pass will be available for $A40. The online pre-purchased tickets offer a small discount over the event day entry prices of $A23 adult and $A20 concession. Conditions apply.

There is a range of activities during the Show, which opens 9am to 5pm daily. This includes Club Marine cooking demonstrations with celebrity chef Bart Beek and on Friday, Saturday and Sunday see Classic Hits 4KQ's outside broadcasts while street entertainment is scheduled daily. Radio station 92.5 Gold FM is broadcasting on the weekend from 10am to 1pm.

There is no on site public parking at the Show. Visitors can instead choose park 'n' ride, water transport by water taxi or ferry, limousine or taxi drop off or helicopter drop off. For full details of accommodation bookings, transport and online ticket prices and updates on new products, view www.sanctuarycoveboatshow.com.au