SANCTUARY COVE BOAT SHOW: A marine showcase all weekend

The 29th Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show (SCIBS) has opened its doors (May 25) and remains open from 9am-5pm all weekend with an impressive showcase of new boats, must-have accessories, marine wares, fishing and watersports kit and more.

Collectively the marine showcase reinforces this annual event as a firm favourite with locals and interstate visitors, boating enthusiasts and buyers, as well as those who enjoy the Sanctuary Cove village and its amenities.

While the 2016 SCIBS delivered more than 40,000 visitors to a spectacular display of boating and marine products across four days, the number of showgoers is expected to increase this year after the marine industry jumped back behind SCIBS.

Running until Sunday, May 28, the southern hemisphere's premier marine event has attracted 300 exhibitors, with new nad many more brokerage boats than the past, top products on show worth more than $200 million, as well as major global, Australian and Queensland debuts as the world's most respected brands and businesses.

Leigh-Smith Yachts was apparently toasting its first sale of the Show, selling a new Alaska 47 Sedan, an exceptional $1.1 million motor yacht, to a local buyer eager to get out on the water.

JSW Powersports have sold five Seadoos and taken a deposit on a Malibu earlier today, as well as RIB Force Inflatables who represent Aurora and Caribbean RIBs, and said they have sold eight models and gathered very strong leads.

"We have sold five Seadoos and taken a deposit on a Malibu this morning. Generally, on a Thursday we don’t do a lot, we build momentum. We have had a really good start. It’s been a busy day. Good weather and it’s going to hold for us, so things are looking great."

Visitors to SCIBS will enjoy a vast array of gear and gadgets designed to improve efficiency, safety and the on-water experience, and a diverse fleet of watercraft until May 28 — from stand-up paddleboards and high-performance jet skis, to sports boats, cruising motor yachts and sailing boats.

There are major new boat releases from the luxury brands including Grand Banks and Maritimo, lots of brokerage boats, large trailerboat display in The Boatyard, plus a full family-friendly entertainment schedule, live bream shootout with weigh-ins, cooking demos, boating education events, and of course some great eateries in the village.

Mark Richards, Palm Beach Motor Yachts and Grand Banks, said for a first day, "it’s absolutely fantastic."

"We had a lot of pre-arranged appointments for the GB60 and PM65, but we have been constant all day. We are big supporters of SCIBS – it’s always a fantastic show for us. It’s been a great start. No complaints from us."

From Maritimo, Greg Haines said it was a bumper start, with plenty of Maritmo owners and clients coming through the display and Maritimo HQ on the marina.

"We have seen a lot of international clients so far – plenty from NZ and more coming from Singapore over the weekend. A lot of new blood too, which is great!"

Other changes include an additional 300sqm of space in the Superyacht & Marine Pavilion, along with additional berths on the marina where Maritimo alone will have a $25m luxury-boating exhibition and local Brett Thurley will have $10m in boats across his broad display.

Going on the pre-show excitement, it looks like a big turnout is on the cards. The weather forecast is for 23-24C highs that will be appreciated by the boating fraternity and those out for a nice day in the village.

There are FREE park ‘n’ ride services from Warner Bros. Movie World, along with limited on-site parking available pre-paid.

Everything you need to know is at Sanctuary Cove Boat Show.