Water women acknowledged at SCIBS

Blokes may boast to their mates about all the features of their new boat -- the power, the underwater shape and the space for fishing -- but all parties to the conversation know that the person who has the final say on any boat is the bloke's wife.

Womens' role in things nautical, and particularly the purchase of new boats, has long been ignored by some marine retailers; much to their detriment.

To give some balance to the matter, the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show (SCIBS) is to launch a new series of activities at this year's show under the all-embracing title, Women on Water.

The general manager of events and marketing at Sanctuary Cove, Sue Thomson, says research shows women are an increasingly important marketing sector for consumer spending and wealth. "The Boston Consulting Ground has found women control $US20 trillion in consumer spending around the world and the figure in growing annually," Thomson says. " The study found women take care of household finances in many instances."

Other research shows disposable incomes are highest among women aged 45 to 54 in the US and, in the next ten years, American women will control two-thirds of the consumer wealth in that country.

To reflect this, the SCIBS will have seminars, fashion parades, skipper training (by a female skipper) aimed at women and female-focused lunches during the show which runs from May 19 to May 22.

"Our Women on Water program recognises the role of women in decision making -- whether it be expenditure on a new boat or the trend of women to set up their own businesses," Thomson says.

The skipper training program will be held each day at 11.00am and 2.00pm aboard a Steber 42. But as numbers are limited, those interested should book at Sanctuary Cove on 07-5577 6011.

The SCIBS currently has 320 exhibitors and 46 world or Australian marine product and service launches confirmed.