2019 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show launched

ON the back of a 30th year celebration edition that saw more than 45,000 visitors, 300 exhibitors and collective sales worth hundreds of millions of dollars, marine companies can now secure their space at the 2019 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show from May 23-26.

SCIBS is the southern hemisphere’s premier boating festival and is also considered one of the most important B2B events on the Australian boating calendar. Following the recent official exhibitor launch, the race is well and truly on for exhibitors to secure their preferred positions both on the water and within the vibrant Marine Village. Key features of the 2019 event will once again include the leading major global brands on the marina, latest gear and gadgets in The Pavilions and trailer boats being exhibited in the 20,000sq m dedicated Sports, Leisure and Fishing precinct.

The exhibition will include everything from super yachts, power boats, catamarans, sailing boats and trawlers to the latest RIBs, day boats, weekenders and aluminium and fibreglass fishing boats, which will be displayed alongside high-performance sports, ski and tow boats. SCIBS general manager Johan Hasser said the event is not unlike the Melbourne Cup in the sense that it stops the marine industry – except the celebration lasts four days.

“If you’ve got an interest in the boating industry, you’ve got an interest in being at Sanctuary Cove during May as SCIBS is well known as the boat show where the marine business does business,” he said. “It’s where companies choose to launch their latest boats and products, and the industry’s powerbrokers come together to network, foster relationships and grow their businesses. On the back of favourable market conditions that have seen new boat sales rise across all segments, SCIBS 2019 is shaping as an event where exhibitors will be able to sell by day and socialise by night.”

That socialising – or networking – can take many forms, with the Australian Superyacht and Marine Export Conference leading up to the event and the SCIBS trade breakfast, International Business Lounge and five-star Top Deck VIP Lounge providing the perfect setting for securing new business leads. Northside Marine dealer principal Greg Nickerson is a familiar face in such lounges, with SCIBS having played a key role in the evolution of the Brisbane-based business.

“We’ve been making our way down the Coast for three decades now to showcase our fleet of boats and equipment to the thousands of people who stream through the gates,” he said. “The marine industry is forever changing and the beauty of SCIBS is it has evolved as well. Johan and his team are not the type of people to rest on their laurels and they continue to innovate and find new ways to keep attracting huge crowds and ensuring we can present our products in the best possible way.”

Riviera owner Rodney Longhurst said the company would once again return to SCIBS to unveil its latest luxury yachts. “As a proud Gold Coast company, we are proud to be associated with the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show,” he said. “2019 will be our 27th SCIBS appearance. We enjoy the chance to host visitors aboard our luxury Riviera motor yachts and showcase the latest from our five individual model design collections. The opportunity for show visitors to experience first-hand what makes Riviera yachts a global industry leader in terms of technology, innovation and luxury appointments is welcome.”

Stefan Ackerie, whose Stefan Boating World has become a high-profile exhibitor in Marine Village in recent years, said SCIBS was an opportunity not to be missed for marine brands. “Last year I declared SCIBS the best show in Australia and I stand by that,” he said. “From the unique location and glorious climate to the fact we always get plenty of leads from the event, it’s an easy decision to keep coming back. I’ve always believed in mixing business with pleasure and SCIBS gives me that opportunity in spades.”

SCIBS also offers visitors the chance to inspect and trial the marine industry’s latest gear and gadgets, including a huge array of new electronic solutions, fishing equipment and water sports fun.

Mr Hasser said a strong focus on fun meant visitors would have much more to do than just debate which boat was their favourite. “We know people who look forward to coming as much for the entertainment, food stalls and bars, while hands-on activities such as fishing masterclasses and competitions, educational boating seminars and cooking demonstrations mean visitors need not rest for a minute,” he said. “We also have a dedicated kids’ zone and while I know the littlies are big fans, I sometimes think their parents love it even more.”

To register as an exhibitor, visit sanctuarycoveboatshow.com.au or phone the show office on 07 5577 6011.