SANCTUARY COVE BOAT SHOW: Boating industry is upbeat
Positive sentiment and sales buoy the industry on the first day of the Gold Coast boat showsOrganisers of the 2016 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show (SCIBS) say millions of dollars in sales, major world launches, sunshine and positive exhibitor sentiment have set the tone for the first day of the show on Thursday (May 19).
One of the many exhibitors hosting world-first releases across the four days, Horizon Motor Yachts reportedly made the first sale of the day by selling a PC52 worth $2.8 million.
Sales and marketing manager Jo Glenn said there had also been huge interest in the Australian release of its latest marquee, the Horizon E56XO.
"We have also received lots of positive enquiry on our new E56X0, which we believe will convert to sales after the Show," she said.
Mark Richards from Palm Beach Motor Yachts said the global debut of the Palm Beach 42 had been very well received on day one of SCIBS.
"We met an interested party at the Singapore Yacht Show last month and he has chased us down to SCIBS," he said.
"We have been flat-out since the Show opened this morning. Day one is always good for talking business."
Local luxury yacht manufacturer Maritimo held the world launch of its much anticipated M61 to a captivated audience today.
Marketing manager Greg Haines said they had already sold five models pre-SCIBS and were confident of further sales over the weekend.
"The whole day has been good so far – there is lots of people here from overseas and the vibe is very positive."
Major brand Whitehaven launched the 6000 Sundbridge – Keith Hanson said the first day of Show had produced good numbers, good quality prospects and great weather.
Multihull Central hosted the launch of its Aquila 44 Powercat – made in China by a US company to a South African design – as well as the new Seawind 1160 Lite and the Outremer 45, which sailed to SCIBS direct from Europe.
Marketing manager Brent Vaughn said the team were very confident of sales across the weekend, with two new models on display and a great space on the Marina.
Colin Wilcox from SACS Marine Australia said SCIBS was their first Queensland boat show, and they were presenting the Italian-made Strider 10 and Sport 900 models.
"On day one, we already have three very serious potential clients, who are particularly taken with the design and the build quality and the fact they can customise their boat," he said.
The Strider 10 has two, 350hp engines and will do 59 knots, which was another attractive feature.
The newly launched precinct The Boatyard, has been deemed a success with exhibitor Greg Nickerson from Northside Marine saying they received a steady flow of traffic throughout the day.
SCIBS general manager Johan Hasser said the team was thrilled with the turn-out for the first day of Show, with the feedback from exhibitors extremely positive. 9:59:00 pm
"The consensus from exhibitors across all segments of the Show is that day one was an extremely positive start to SCIBS," Mr Hasser said.
"There is a great buzz throughout The Marine Village, in the Pavilions and on the Marina. We had wonderful weather for the first day, and everyone is looking forward to a great weekend."
Show organisers say Day One saw thousands of eager visitors through the gates,
with up to 40,000 expected across the event, which runs through to May
22. For more information, visit http://sanctuarycoveboatshow.com.au
Tags
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
