SCIBS 2022 wraps up

“The economic impact of SCIBS 2022 will continue to influence the event, tourism and marine sectors, fueling sales, creating employment, generating tourism dollars and increasing visitor nights in the region.”

Specialising in catamarans and multihulls, Multihull Solutions Marketing Manager Rachel Crook said the dealership had an incredible few days at SCIBS, welcoming a consistent flow of genuine buyers.

“We’ve seen sales across a number of models, both new and preowned, including the Neel Trimarans Neel 43, which had its Australian launch at SCIBS,” Crook said.

“The Show isn’t just about sales, it also gives us the opportunity to meet our wonderful clients and team members who have been stuck over borders throughout the pandemic.”

Graham Raspass, Director at Flagstaff Marine said “Overall, we’re very happy, despite disappointing weather.

“We hosted the Australian premiere of the Excess 11 Groupe Beneteau Catamaran, the Swift Trawler 41 from the Beneteau power range and the Lomax brand of RIB tenders. We have a number of strong leads and we’re looking forward to sales in the coming weeks.

“We had great feedback on all the vessels and we’re hosting an open day on Saturday at Hope Harbour Marina, where sea trials can be organised.”

SCIBS 2022 also marked a momentous milestone with major partner Bentley Brisbane & Gold Coast, which celebrated a decade-long association with the Show, with the display of four custom cars specially commissioned for the occasion.

Bentley Brisbane & Gold Coast Group Marketing Manager Clinton Wright said the luxury marque was delighted to commemorate a significant anniversary with SCIBS.

“We’ve seen incredible uptake throughout the Show with three new Bentleys sold as well as immense interest in our bespoke Bentley by Mulliner program, which saw more than 15 people meet with our onsite designers to customise their cars,” Wright said.

Likewise, SCIBS sponsor Volvo Penta attracted interest in its innovative marine leisure engine and propulsion systems on The Promenade.

Head of Volvo Penta Martin Skoglund said “We were so excited to be back for another year at SCIBS as our stand presence continues to increase year on year.

“Overall, we’ve had a great turnout and have loved the opportunity to meet with customers, show support to our OEMs and further grow the Volvo Penta brand.”

Within the Pavilions, BLA, the boating, lifestyle and adventure experts, brought industry leading brands Minn Kota, Humminbird, Dometic Outdoor, CZone, Cannon, Mastervolt, Lewmar, BEP, Blue Sea Systems, JBL, OceanLED, Scanstrut and RAM Mounts as well as its BLA Marine Performance Series of products.

BLA also showcased two new training boats, the Hummingbird Formosa and Dometic Outdoor Powercat, on The Marina at this year’s show.

BLA Marketing Manager James King said “We haven’t been to SCIBS since 2019 and it’s so exciting to find our way back on the boat show circuit.

“We have not only had interest and enquiries across our range of stocked brands, but the event has also been an opportunity to reenergise our staff as their hard work from the past two years starts to pay off.”

In an Australian event first, marine technology leaders Garmin displayed the new Garmin Livescope Plus System, Garmin Boat Switch and Garmin Surround View Camera System, which OEM Government and Commercial Manager for Australia and New Zealand Gordon Triplett said were received with enthusiasm.

“There is such an industry buzz with consumer demand for products and it’s great to see marine lifestyle lovers all gathered in one place at SCIBS – the atmosphere at this year’s event has been amazing,” Triplett said.

Premium motor yacht manufacturer Riviera showcased its largest fleet ever with 12 vessels on display, including three Australian premieres: the 4600 Sport Yacht Platinum Edition, 78 Motor Yacht and the exclusive reveal of the new 465 SUV model.

“Riviera welcomed many returning and new owners to our family with yachts purchased across the exceptional 24-model collection of sport yachts, SUV, sport motor yachts and motor yachts as part of the exclusive Riviera Festival of Boating held at our SCIBS display, ” Riviera Owner Rodney Longhurst said.

Maritimo had an exceptional reception for its three global exclusives, the M60 Flybridge Motor Yacht, M600 Offshore Flybridge and S600 Offshore Sedan, with a number of sales on the board.

Managing Director Tom Barry-Cotter said “It’s fantastic to have a show like SCIBS, especially for Australian manufacturers, to use as a platform to launch new models direct to serious buyers.”

Princess Yachts Australia also debuted a world premiere on water with its award-winning, upgraded F Class 55 Flybridge Yacht.

“SCIBS 2022 has been a fantastic event for Princess with lots of interest in the brand and plenty of people attending despite the wet weather,” said Dealer Principal Greg Haines.

Sanctuary Cove also saw the flow-on effects from the engaged audience with Mulpha General Manager for International Sales and Marketing John Hughes noting the sale of two apartments in the luxury Harbour One complex.

“We not only sold boats but properties, too,” Hughes said.

“We saw very strong interest in land and apartments throughout the Boat Show with a steady stream of buyers in our property showroom.”

Running from 19 to 22 May 2022, the 33rd Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show attracted more than 43,000 visitors and 337 exhibitors to showcase over 600 boats and 1,000 marine products across four days.

SCIBS returns for its 34th annual Boat Show from 25 to 28 May 2023.

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