Marine Industry Gears Up for Sanctuary Cove Show

Exhibitors from around the world are gearing up for this week’s 23^rd Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show which brings millions of dollars of business to the marine sector and the local economy.

Staged by Sanctuary Cove, the Show runs from this Thursday, May 19 to Sunday, May 22 from 9am to 5pm daily.

With just days before the Show opens, at least 385 exhibitors will display a huge array of marine products and services within the Marine Village, pavilions and at the marina.

Close to 100 new boats, marine products are services are launched at the Show. As in past years, the Show traditionally attracts many international buyers and executives and is known as the place ‘Where the Marine Business Does Business’.

“Visitors can see everything connected with boats and the marine industry with fantastic multi-million dollar super yachts, luxury cruisers, sail boats, engines, electronics, marine seating and fit out and navigational gear,” said Sanctuary Cove General Manager Marketing and Events Sue Thomson.

Large power boats launched at the show include the world release of the Alaska 60ft Pilothouse Yacht-Fisher and the 43; the launch of Coral Sea Marine’s 55ft power catamaran and the new Horizon Q70 Elegance.

The Queensland Water Police vessel, the Brett T Handran is on display for the first time at a Boat Show. This 23.35m vessel is used for training and exercises and was a base in the January 2011 Brisbane floods. Visitors will be able to tour the vessel at regular times during the Show.

Local Gold Coast companies such as Riviera, Maritimo, Mustang and Clipper have new boats to unveil at Sanctuary Cove.

Game and Leisure Boats is displaying a Cabo 40 Flybridge ZEUS for the first time in Australia. Scruffie Marine is showcasing the 5.8m Sienna electric boat and Flying Fish Hovercraft is showcasing the Marlin II hovercraft in an Australian boat show release. Duffy Down Under, The Electric Boat Company also has a release of its 18ft Snug Harbour.

New sail boats at the Show include the Dufour Grand Large 375 launched in Australia by Antill Marine plus the latest from Catalina, Corsair, Hunter, Lightwave, Beneteau and Hanse.

“While many Australian companies represent local manufacturers, others are distributors or importers for marine products from around the world,” she said. This year there are exhibitors from the US, Sri Lanka, New Zealand, China, Singapore, South Africa and Taiwan.

Entertainment at this year’s Show includes Marine Queensland boating and fishing seminars; live radio outside broadcasts from 92.5 Gold FM and Radio 4KQ; and appearances by Channel Seven personalities. There are daily fashion parades, roving entertainers and presentations all included in the Boat Show entry ticket price.

Online ticket prices offer a discount at $A22 one day adult; $A19 one day concession; $A40 two-day adult and $A75 four-day adult. Gate entry prices are $A25 adult; $A20 concession; $A45 two-day adult and $A80 four-day adult. Children 14 years and under have free entry.  

There is no parking on site but a range of transport options with Park n Ride which includes parking, shuttles and boat show entry; helicopter, limousine, taxi drop off and water taxi or ferry transfer. For full details including the entertainment  program view www.sanctuarycoveboatshow.com.au