Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show

The 2012 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show (SCIBS) which opens today and runs through to Sunday has attracted 315 exhibitors of which some 50 are said to be new to the show. The BoatPoint and Boatsales double stand is on E Arm of the marina. Be sure to drop in and say hi.

Organisers say there are more than 70 world and Australian new launches. Among them are new boats from Australian boat builders Maritimo, Mustang, Seawind and, if you take a taxi upriver, Riviera. But none can hold a candle to our award-winning Palm Beach Motor Yachts, which will have its new 45 and 55 on show.

UK marque Princess has a new V39 and 60 Motor Yacht at the marina, with another four of its luxury boats on show at its Hope Island dealership. Compatriots Fairline have a V58, which we’ve seen before.

Then come the Americans. Back Cove, Sabre, MJM trumpet the lobster-boat styling, while Chaparral has the most boats on display, with some interesting new crossover H2O models as tested on our homepage hereabouts.

Back on the water, French juggernaut Jeanneau has the biggest display, with a number of new centre console, wheelhouse and sport yacht boats. And there are its award-winning Prestige luxury cruisers and the new 44 Deck Saloon yacht.

Bigger is better is the tenet at Horizon, which has a new 80 Cat, E54 Aero Motor Yacht, plus 70, 88 and 97 virtual super yachts. Also of Asia extraction are the trawlers from Alaska, Clipper (Hudson Bay 50 is the pick), Integrity and Pelorus. Passage makers include a Grand Banks 72, Fleming 55, Hampton 680 and big Marlow.

Queenslanders love their cruising cats and Sanctuary Cove has a litter of them, including the new Seawind 950 (ships in a container), French-built Salina 48 and Catana 47, and Leopards from South Africa.

Then there are the niche boats: the VanDutch 40 is a runabout that wows; the American Chris Crafts include some classics on show; and there are submersibles, amphibious boats and jet-powered conveyances for something new. Along with a reasonable spread of trailerboats, and plenty of cool kit, Sanctuary Cove calls.

A free ferry service will also be available from the Couran Cove Ferry Terminal, John Lund Drive, Hope Harbour. Ferries operate every half hour from 8.30am with the last ferry departing Sanctuary Cove at 6.30pm. For departure times and locations call 07 5577 9477.

In addition, there are Water Taxis available from Runaway Bay Marina, Runaway Bay. Call Steve 0404 905 970 for pricing.

If you’re coming by train, travel to Helensvale Station and connect with the complimentary Boat Show Shuttle. There is no Boat Show parking at Helensvale train station car park. Rail travel costs are additional. For train times call 13 1230 or visit www.translink.com.au

There are regular bus services to the show as well. Travel direct to the show on Surfside Buslines. Travel to Southport, then change to route 10 to Sanctuary Cove. Bus transport costs are additional. For bus times, call 13 1230 or visit www.translink.com.au

The Sanctuary Cove Marina is closed during the Boat Show. No moorings or berths are available. No private boat passenger drop offs are permitted.

Boats may anchor nearby in the Coomera River and adjoining waterways. The Volunteer Marine Rescue Service operates a ferry pick up service from private boats to the marina entrance for an Australian currency gold coin donation per passenger. Vessels must be moored within government requirements and all risk is borne by the visitor.

Helicopter transfers are available from Marina Mirage, Conrad Jupiters (Broadbeach), Gold Coast and Brisbane airports. Helicopter transfers are an additional cost. Bookings are essential. Please call Gold Coast Helitours 07 5591 8457 or www.goldcoastheli.com

If travelling by private car, you can be dropped off and picked up at the accreditation centre in P2 car park. Enter Sanctuary Cove and follow the signs to P2 car park. Traffic controllers will direct you to the drop-off and pick-up point. A complimentary shuttle service will transport you to the show. There is no public parking at this point.

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