SANCTUARY COVE BOAT SHOW: Passagemakers on display

A raft of comfortable new and used long-range liveaboard boats, displacement and semi-displacement cruisers, passagemakers and trawlers are charting a course for Sanctuary Cove International Boat 2017 from May 25 to 28.

Brands to secure on-water space include Grand Banks Yachts, Fleming Yachts, Clipper Motor Yachts, Alaska Motor Yachts, Integrity Motor Yachts, Nordhavn and DeFever Yachts.

Buyers looking for the ultimate ocean lifestyle where they can live aboard, travel long-range distances at a relaxed pace and enjoy spacious entertainment areas will have plenty of choice in this display of floating homes.

While popular during times of high fuel prices, long-range cruising boats are making a return thanks to the swelling ranks of retirees looking for the ultimate ocean lifestyle. The display will feature new and preloved boats for serious passage making.

GRAND BANKS 60 WORLD DEBUT
The headline act comes from Grand Banks Yachts, which will stage the world launch of its highly anticipated GB60 at the Show, complemented by two nearby vessels from Palm Beach Motor Yachts.

Although it’s hardly a trawler, the GB60 is being touted by Grand Banks CEO Mark Richards as serious long-range cruising motor yacht.

"The GB60 is taking Grand Banks in a whole new direction in terms of appearance, performance and construction techniques," said Richards.

"We are particularly excited because this is the first collaboration effort between the design teams of both brands. The result is a better performing yacht with a fresh appearance."

FLEMING 65
SCIBS regular Fleming Yachts Australia returns to the Show to display the Fleming 65 for the first time since 2011. As testimony to the boat’s enduring nature, you won’ never guess this 65ft liveaboard is six years old.

Fleming Yachts Australia general manager Sam Nicholas said the Fleming 65 was just one of two currently in Australian waters and was being made available to exhibit at SCIBS by its Brisbane-based owner.

Employing the same design philosophy and layout as her smaller stable mate, the Fleming 65 offers more interior and deck space, a wider beam, a walk-in engine room and greater fuel capacity. It’s the ultimate Australian motoryacht and a true engineering marvel.

NORDHAVN, ALASKA AND HAMPTON
Peter Devers, the local Nordhavn importer, will be debuting a Nordhavn 60, while also showcasing the N52 model. These transoceanic ‘ships’ are popular with roaming nomads travelling the wider Pacific.

Queensland boaters Leigh-Smith Yachts will be showcasing Alaska, Hampton and Endurance to meeting a variety of buyers’ requirements from those who want to cruise local waters at economical speeds to those heading to the Whitsundays for months at a time.

A 47-foot Alaska valued, 68-foot and 72-foot Hampton motor yacht will be among its $14m display.

DEFEVER 55
Q7 Marine, the Australian and New Zealand dealer for DeFever Yachts, will have a classic DeFever 55 long-range trawler on display.

The three-cabin vessel is powered by a single engine keel-cooled with a hydraulic system that includes hydraulic bow and stern thrusters, and hydraulic stabilisers. It also has a spacious interior with a full-beam master cabin.

INTEGRITY 530
The largest ever Integrity, the 530 Grand Sedan will be making its debut. Expansive living and entertaining areas, a full-beam master, and the biggest cockpit in the class are among the claims.

The brand will also showcase its 490 Grand Sedan, 440 Sedan and the 320 Express entry-level model at the Show.

More at Sanctuary Cove boat show.