Sanctuary Cove boat show beyond 2013?

Rumour is rife once again on that hotbed of waterfront gossip, the Gold Coast boating grapevine, with whispers that next year’s 25th anniversary Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show will be the last. But when asked the organisers reaffirmed their commitment to the show.

After hearing about the scuttlebutt we called Sanctuary Cove owners and boat show organisers Mulpha Australia for clarification.

When asked whether Mulpha Australia was committed to the boat show after 2013, Winson Chow, Chief Operating Officer, was forthright.

"Without a doubt. We are actively trying to make next year’s event, the 25th, something special too," he said from Mulpha Australia’s head office in Sydney.

Meantime, Sanctuary Cove will be the subject of some remodelling, with a new upmarket retail/supermarket planned, along with a refurbishment of the marina. Perhaps this led to speculation the boat show wasn’t in Mulpha Australia’s future plans?

Adding to the uncertainty is the fact the Hyatt and Mulpha Australia have ended their management agreement after 25 years, effective midnight December 5 this year. An international hotel operator, probably InterContinental Hotels Group, is tipped to take over the somewhat tired accommodation.

Meantime, Mulpha Australia says the annual Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show is an exceptionally important marketing tool to showcase "the superlative boating lifestyle enjoyed by residents and visitors to the one-of-a-kind community, which has diversified and flourished in the past 24 years."

"The boat show epitomises everything about Sanctuary Cove that is unique," Mr Chow said in a press release back in June. "Visitors to the boat show, whether for business or pleasure, immediately absorb the atmosphere and the genuine appeal of living by the water."

The 25th Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show will be held May 23-26, 2013. More at www.sanctuarycoveboatshow.com.au