One of Australia’s biggest boat shows reveals return

One of Australia’s biggest boat shows is returning later this year with a new-look event.

Organisers for the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show have announced a new event later this year, but it won’t be the same record-breaking show as before.

Last year’s show was branded the best in the event’s 31-year-history, attracting 500 boats including superyachts on display and 47,243 punters.

It is held over four days every May but in March was postponed and then cancelled due to the spread of the coronavirus.

However, organisers will on Friday launch the revamped Sanctuary Cove Boating Festival to run November 13-15 later this year.

Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show organisers have decided to hold the free festival event over three days from November 13 to 15 after being forced by the COVID pandemic earlier this year to cancel the main event. Left to Right, Tom Barry-Cotter (Maritimo) Stephen Milne (Riviera), Johan Hasser (Mulpha Events). Picture Glenn Hampson

SCIBS general manager Johan Hasser said the event, which he called a “scaled down” version of the main event, will offer starved boat show fans a taste of what is to come next year.

The plan is for between 100 and 150 exhibitors with most activities ‘on water’ rather than the traditional marquees where thousands gathered in the past.

“This is a smaller event adhering to all the government guidelines around being COVID safe,” Mr Hasser said.

“But we think it’s important for the show to happen to support and help exhibitors like Riviera, Maritimo and other major players on the Coast.

“Everyone is doing it tough. It is a way for us to support the industry going into 2021.”

Every other major boat show including the Sydney International Boat Show has been axed.

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“At this stage, sadly no other boat shows will be going ahead in Australia this year. We’re confident the Sanctuary Cove Boating Festival will be an industry leader when it comes to hosting a COVID-safe event across the marine offering,” Mr Hasser said.

Stephen Milne, spokesman for the Gold Coast’s largest luxury boat exporter Riviera, said punters will get the chance to see three new models from the group, including its 505 SUV, 64 Sports Motor Yacht and a third, as yet unannounced, new model.

“They will represent the best motor yachts ever created by Riviera,” he said.

Maritimo head designer Tom Barry-Cotter said boat shows are a strong driver of sales.

Boat show fans will still be able to get their fix of the latest innovations in the sector when the Sanctuary Cove Boating Festival is held later this year. Left to Right, Stephen Milne (Riviera), Phil Chandler (Maritimo), Johan Hasser (Mulpha Events) Mark Western (Horizon), Scott Davis (Princess) Tom Barry-Cotter (Maritimo). Picture: Glenn Hampson.

“History shows boat shows are one of the biggest income generators for boat manufacturers,” he said.

“It gives buyers the opportunity to get on board and have a look and feel for the product.”

The company has had a busy year so far with the launch of its new M55 flybridge motor yacht, four of which have sold so far for $2 million each.

“We won’t have the boat there as it’s launching in January, 2021 but we’ll have more reveals of it and what that boat is about.”

Ticket and access details will be released closer to the event as organisers pin down a COVID-safe plan.