Gold Coast’s Sanctuary Cove Boating Festival fills gap left by cancellation of International Boat Show

Millions of dollars worth of boats, jetskis and superyachts will fill Sanctuary Cove Marine Village in a new boating showcase after COVID-19 forced the axing of the annual show.

MILLIONS of dollars worth of boats, jetskis and superyachts will fill Sanctuary Cove Marine Village in a new boating showcase after COVID-19 forced an annual May show’s axing.

The free Sanctuary Cove Boating Festival from November 13-15 has been announced to fill the gap left by the forced cancellation of the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show.

Boat Show sales and partnerships manager Dominic O’Brien said spaces for festival exhibitors were filling up quickly and more than 60 marine brands had secured spots.

“There’s no other major boat shows going on. It’s nice to have something,” he said.

The free Sanctuary Cove Boating Festival from November 13-15 has been announced to fill the gap left by the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, which has been cancelled due to COVID-19. Picture: Matt Williams/Supplied

“The festival is about 60 per cent of the (Boat Show) display space. It’s gratifying to receive the support of industry, to know we’re providing something they want.”

Mr O’Brien said boating had emerged as a particularly popular hobby amid coronavirus and sales resulting from the three-day festival would probably exceed expectations.

“Australians are loving getting out on the water. We expect exhibitors will get really good patronage,” he said.

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One of the first exhibitors was Gold Coast’s Riviera luxury yacht brand owner Rodney Longhurst who said it would be a top opportunity for the public to check out yachts, including a selection of new models.

The Festival will be about 60 per cent of the size of the annual Boat Show, which has been axed this year due to the coronavirus. Picture: Supplied

One of the country’s biggest marine dealerships, Northside Marine, is also on the exhibitor list and managing director Greg Nickerson said the festival was much-needed.

“With the cancelling of all other boat shows this year, an opportunity to display our great range of boats to a wider audience is welcomed,” he said.

Brands already locked in include Maritimo, Princess Yachts, Horizon Yachts, Integrity Motor Yachts and Whitehaven Motor Yachts.

Fishing and trailer boat brands include Australian Marine Centre, Game and Leisure Boats, Nautique Central, Surf Coast Marine, Cobalt Boats, Hurricane and Nitro Marine.