Gold Coast’s Sanctuary Cove boat show soars as Riviera returns

THE Gold Coast’s big annual boat show has attracted a 33 per cent jump in on-water displays — with an industry heavyweight saying it is down to a reunited industry.

Gold Coast boating industry heavyhitters (from left) Maritimo founder Bill Barry-Cotter, Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show general manager Johan Hasser and Riviera owner Rodney Longhurst Sanctuary Cove Marina yesterday to launch its upcoming 30th anniversary boat show later this month.

THE Gold Coast’s big annual boat show has attracted a 33 per cent jump in on-water displays — with an industry heavyweight saying it is down to a reunited industry.

The Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show (SCIBS) stages its 30th instalment late this month on May 24-27 with more than 180 on-water boats booked in.

It is a big jump on the 135 at the Sanctuary Cove marina last year.

On deck to launch the looming 30th Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show are (from left) Maritimo founder Bill Barry-Cotter, The Boat Works marina and shipyard CEO Tony Longhurst, Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show general manager Johan Hassar, show stalwart Barry Jenkins, Riviera owner Rodney Longhurst, Bentley’s Clinton Wright, Leigh-Smith Yachts’ Ryan Leigh Smith, pictured at Sanctuary Cove Marina ahead of its 30th anniversary international boat show later this month.

Organisers and industry heavyweights say the surge is down to an improving economy, the special 30th anniversary and city boat building giant Riviera returning.

Coomera-based Riviera will exhibit seven models after being absent for several years while involved with its separate simultaneous boating expo up the river at Coomera marine precinct.

With the expo now canned, Riviera owner Rodney Longhurst joined Maritimo founder and SCIBS stalwart Bill Barry-Cotter at Sanctuary Cove yesterday for the 30th pre-launch.

BOAT INDUSTRY MOTORS AHEAD

The Riviera 395 SUV is coming to the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show 30th.

Asked how it was to have everyone back on deck, SCIBS general manager Johan Hassar said: “It is fantastic. It is also fantastic for the industry and all the visitors. It’s a double win.”

Mr Hassar said more than 180 on-water boats, including 10 to 15 superyachts, and a separate trailerboat display — requiring an extra 10,000 square metres — would make it the biggest show in a decade.

As is the Riviera Sport 72 luxury motor yacht.

“The main cause is the market is buoyant. It is consumer confidence, people are keen to get out on the water,” Mr Hassar said.

The numbers are still a far cry from the show’s pre-Global Financial Crisis heyday in 2007 and 2008 when it hosted 450 boats on the water.

But the event and boat building industry — a strong employer on the Gold Coast with 600 at Riviera — are moving in right direction.

Mr Barry-Cotter said the economy was doing better resulting in more demand for boat orders but the axing of the expo had also been a significant driver of the SCIBS surge.

LUXURY BOAT BUILDER EXPANDS TO NEW TERRITORY

The city and country’s two biggest boat builders — Sanctuary Cove show stalwart Bill Barry-Cotter (left) and Riviera’s Rodney Longhurst joined Mr Hassar (centre) in the build-up to the show 30th later this month.

“None of the small importers, manufacturers can afford to or have the people to be in two places at once.

“This is why the numbers have come up. It’s come out of the other show because people could not afford to do both. To put it on against this was just ludicrous.

“We have been involved (with SCIBS) from the outset and I believe it is the best boat show. It’s an open market for people who are looking for a large luxury cruiser or fishing gear for their tinny.”

Maritimo will have up to eight locally-made models at SCIBS.

Mr Longhurst said: “I think if we can work with Sanctuary Cove and make a great show work here, which we believe we can, that is fantastic.

“It’s a charming location and what is great for us is our distribution network and our owners wanted us to be here.”