Show fever

It's that time of the year again! The first (and favourite!) boat show of the Australian circuit: the 35th Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show.

Written by Jeni Bone

21 May 2024

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Kicking off the Australian boat show circuit each year, the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show (SCIBS) serves up a heady blend of boats of all sizes, watertoys, destinations to dream about, wrapped up in balmy Gold Coast sunshine with a sprinkle of la belle vie allure.

It’s shaping up to be another epic event, promising more than 100 launches from local and international brands across the full marine spectrum.

A broad array of brands and businesses will present their latest and greatest products – from superyachts to marine electronics, pontoons to apparel.

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“There’s no doubt SCIBS is an unrivalled showcase for those in the marine industry, with an economic impact of $400 million+,” said Mulpha Events General Manager Johan Hasser.

“From superyachts and luxury motor yachts, to trailer boats and personal watercraft, marine gear and gadgets, SCIBS 2024 is the place to see everything the marine industry has to offer.”

As well as enjoying the globally-sourced products on display, visitors can also expect to be dazzled by the all-new Lagoon Beach Club VIP Experience, a brand-new elevated precinct offering a “luxury beach club vibe” overlooking the resort’s lagoon pool and award-winning marina.

Long-time exhibitor and boat show sponsor, Pantaenius will have a stand in the new Marina Boulevard Hall, supported by Pantaenius, as well as supporting the AIMEX Garden which provides hospitality and a business lounge for members of Superyacht Australia, ACMG and AIMEX.

The Pantaenius team will also have a stand near the superyacht marina. “We are looking forward to reconnecting with our Queensland and interstate customers and meeting new people,” said Michaela Claes, Operations Manager at Pantaenius Australia.

“Pantaenius enjoys strong brand awareness in Queensland, and it’s great to be able to sit down and discuss our customers’ cruising plans – whether they own sailing yachts or motor yachts. Storm season finishes 1 May, so a lot of people are interested in changing their policies to match their voyage plans. We are the only Australian-based insurer who can insure Australian and NZ boats heading to the Pacific.

“We keep in touch with customers during their travels and inform them about interesting things, such as cruising itineraries, as well as any warnings. Our customers love us for that!”

Gold Coast City Marina & Shipyard’s participation at SCIBS will be massive this year, collaborating with 30 of their 90 business partners, representing the best of the marine trades working in the Coomera marine precinct.

“It’s always a pleasure to present the craftsmanship of our marine experts to past and future clients and the care we offer to vessel owners or captains looking for a 5-gold anchor service for their boats,” said Andrew Chapman, GCCM Chief Operating Officer.

Sail stalwarts return

The all new Seawind 1170 will make its official Australian boat show debut at SCIBS 2024 with exclusive distributors, Multihull Central.  Seawind CEO Richard Ward commented, “For me, the Seawind 1170 is the perfect size for cruising as a couple with the occasional guests.”

Spirit Marine Queensland will have an extensive range of Beneteau power and sailing yachts, including the Oceanis 40.1, 30.1 and a Beneteau First 27.

Peter Nicholson, Queensland dealer for Beneteau outboard and sail, described the line-up as “something to please everyone!”

“The 40.1 is very appealing for the Queensland market and has been very successful. The first 30.1 will be on show for the first time in Queensland and is the entry model to the Oceanis brand. And the First 27 is a versatile racing yacht with great accommodation and inboard diesel engine – a nice introductory yacht for racing and a solid family yacht.”

Leopard Catamarans will have five vessels on show, three power cats and two sailing cats, the 42 and the 50.

As David Flynn explained, “The Leopard layouts are highly practical – one level, walkthrough, open, airy feel, perfect for our climate.

“They have massive, shaded areas with hardtop protection over the helm, aft and forward seating area. All Leopard galleys face forward which is great when you’re at sea. The hull shapes are different to the rounder hulled production boats and the seakeeping performance is tried and tested. There’s a Leopard 50 sailing from Cape Town to Perth at the moment, proving its credentials as a global bluewater boat.”

From TMG Yachts, a stellar line-up of power and sail, including the Lagoon 46 – the 500th manufactured by the French powerhouse – which was designed for extended cruising adventures with family and friends. Offering unmatched interior volume combined with versatile outdoor spaces and a refined atmosphere, the Lagoon 46 ensures a journey filled with comfort and reliability.

The Dufour 41 sailing yacht will make its Southern Hemisphere debut, represented by The Yacht Sales Co. The Dufour 41 marks a new era of design for the shipyard, injecting a modern essence, abundance of light and a host of innovations, all while preserving the DNA of the Dufour brand.

Robust and efficient, this beautiful yacht will confidently cross seas and oceans with agility.

The luxurious Dufour 41 offers a wide range of customisation possibilities to suit all sailing plans. The yacht is available in three versions: Adventure, Ocean or Performance, with two layouts in three or four cabins, and with two design palettes to cater for all sail programs and personal styles.

The sailing specialists at the Windcraft Yachts will host the Asia-Pacific Premiere of the Hanse 510.

The Sanctuary Cove show will be the first chance for many who have been following the overseas release of Hanse’s big volume luxury family cruiser last October to see for themselves just why the design from French naval architects Berrett-Racoupeau has been attracting praise and accolades from the international boating press including being named winner of SAIL magazine’s coveted Top 10 Best Boats 2024.

Windcraft are the long-standing Australian and NZ dealers for Hanse Yachts and are looking forward to welcoming admirers of the 510 to their stand. “We are excited to show sailors how Hanse is utilising technology to enhance every aspect of the yachting experience,” says Anthony Bishop, Windcraft’s Managing Director.

“Fast and efficient push-button furling of headsails, in-mast furling, remote controls, digital systems management – all these developments have enabled boats that previously required a full crew can now be operated easily handled by just a couple or two people,” he explains.

“The Hanse 510 is large and luxurious but controlling and enjoying the boat is so much easier thanks to a suite of new tech tools,” Bishop adds.

The Hanse 510, and the equally acclaimed Hanse 460 will be available for show-goers to inspect on the marina at Sanctuary Cove.

RIBs, tenders and dayboats

In 2024, SCIBS will significantly increase space within the Sports Leisure Fishing precinct for trailer boats and RIBs, expanding the footprint of the show to include the Intercontinental Sanctuary Cove Resort grounds and the new Marina Boulevard Hall overlooking the superyacht arm of the marina.

Making its own debut at SCIBS 2024, Carbon Yachts will proudly host the Australian launch of the Virtue 10 T-Top, a high-tech, low-carbon yacht for eco-conscious consumers.

With versatility and entertainment at the fore of its design, the V10’s aft area effortlessly transforms to meet any need, seamlessly changing from an oversized sunbed to passenger bench seating as well as a dining area with adequate seating for eight guests. This is paired with ingenious electric drop-down side balconies that expand the entertaining space and lend aft proportions akin to those found in 40-footers.

European yacht distributor in Australia, Eyachts will exhibit an impressive selection, including the Axopar 29 Sun Top, Axopar 45 Sun Top, and the ground-breaking RAND Supreme 27 Electric – the first electric vessel in its category on the Australian market.

A spacious, comfortable, and sporty bowrider with graceful, modern, yet timeless lines, the RAND Supreme 27 Electric redefines what luxury at the sea is all about.

The Carbon Yachts team will be on hand to answer any inquiries regarding the rest of our luxury fleet, comprising Saffier Yachts, YYachts, Candela, and ASTenders.

In the luxury RIB tender segment, visitors to SCIBS will have the choice of the world’s major brands, including Zodiac, BRIG, Highfield Boats and Technohull.

Sirocco Marine anticipates great interest in their latest import, the Dutch-built Sirocco 730i, which is a meticulously-crafted, 7.3-metre day boat with plenty of space on board and an inboard diesel engine, offering owners economical, family-friendly cruising.

Occupying their traditional space along Masthead Way, Sirocco Marine will present around 30 boats in total, representing the most popular models from BRIG, Zodiac and Williams.

Slava Rodionov, co-founder and CEO of BRIG, which manufactures in the Ukraine city of Kharkiv, will attend the show and meet with owners and dealers to present the innovations and plans for 2024.

Returning to the boat show circuit is a new model BRIG Eagle 10, the flagship of the BRIG range. At 10.2-metres, the go-anywhere Brig Eagle 10 is a true 50 knot boat, powered by twin 300hp engines and with an array of features that make it the most versatile and best value day boat and weekender on the market.

The Eagle 10 boasts a deep-V-hull that ensures a dry, smooth ride. It’s more stable, lightweight and low-maintenance than its hard-sided counterparts, and with room for up to 16 people, it has a capacity double a 10-metre fibreglass boat.

Highfield Boats will attend SCIBS to present the brand’s latest models, including the new 2024 Sport 600 and Sport 660, both with 26-degree hull deadrise angles for tight handling and performance in all conditions.

Highfield Boats and ZeroJet will release the E330, the world’s only battery powered, jet propelled tender in production at the 2024 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show.

Highfield, represented by Northside Marine will headline the world’s only battery powered, jet propelled tender on their large waterfront display at SCIBS 2024, showcasing the brand’s class-leading aluminium-hulled RIBs.

Featuring ZeroJet proprietory technology developed and made in New Zealand integrated into the compact RIB, the Highfield E Jet 330 is powered by ZeroJet’s 18kW Jet Drive system.

The Highfield E330 is a 3.36-metre (11-foot) RIB with a sturdy aluminium hull, 1.82-metre (6-foot) beam, and capacity for up to five passengers.

At 3.36-metres long and 1.82 metres wide, and with a 15-degree deadrise, the E330 features a 48V battery and 18kW of power, equivalent to 25hp. The boat can reach an impressive 20 knots maximum speed.

In addition, there will be an extensive range of the latest Ultralite and Classic tenders.

“Highfield dealers from across Australia will be in attendance and on hand to discuss the different models and how they suit different sized vessels or applications,” said Peter Pembroke from Highfield Boats Australia.

In the high-performance super-RIB segment, Greek-made Technohull is represented by Ray White Marine, displaying the 38 Grand Sport. A 50+ knot offshore RIB, the Technohull 38 Grand Sport boasts an athletic silhouette, exceptional sea keeping and on board comfort.

Amphibious specialists, Sealegs will be on show with the impressive Sealegs 9-metre Hydrasol fitted with a 450HP Yamaha engine, and the Sealegs 8.5-metre Alloy Cabin.

“We are looking forward to exhibiting at SCIBS 2024, which we consider our home territory, stated Michael Rigby, Sealegs Australian Sales.

“Our Queensland fleet is expanding. There is a great community on Moreton Island, Brisbane and the Gold Coast. SCIBS is an important show for us, and we are always pleased to share the Sealegs’ difference and catch up with owners.”

Gear, gadgets and watertoys

Tenders, accessories, navigation equipment and high-tech toys are part of the SCIBS experience.

In the Pavilions, high-tech navigation equipment and marine electronics will be on show, with experts on hand to guide visitors through the features and benefits.

Raymarine will display their DAME-Award-winning Alpha performance displays and NeuBoat Dock, the 360-degree view docking cameras alongside the full range of industry-leading chartplotter and fishfinder solutions. They will also showcase FLIR cameras, with live demonstrations of the capabilities of thermal imaging.

“At Sanctuary Cove Boat Show, we’re not just showcasing our latest innovations, we’re connecting directly with boat enthusiasts,” said Damien Weber, General Manager Raymarine & FLIR Maritime Australia.

“It’s an opportunity for us to engage with our valued customers and visitors in a vibrant atmosphere. Whether you’re a seasoned boat owner or just starting out, we’re ready to answer all your product questions. And in 2024, we’ve upped the ante by moving to a prime spot on the Promenade, offering a picturesque backdrop of the marina as you explore the best in marine technology.”

Navico Group will display a range of integrated systems and products, including 2024 launches including, the new Lowrance Eagle, the entry level fishfinder that features newly designed high-definition enhanced sonar, with FishReveal™ technology and detailed C-MAP® charting including Genesis Live.

Also from Lowrance is the HDS PRO® with ActiveTarget™ 2 and Active Imaging™ HD – Lowrance’s next generation of fishing electronics that provides anglers the complete package of the latest tools that helps them find and catch more fish.

Then there’s the new Simrad® NSX® ULTRAWIDE which is the world’s first fully-featured ultrawide marine display. Simrad Yachting’s new HALO® 2000 and 3000 Open Array Radars both feature higher power pulse compression and improved detection ranges to offer the most powerful Simrad® HALO radars on the market. RELiON Battery, Mastervolt and CZone products will also be on display.

“We view Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show as an important part of our events calendar,” said Doug Anderson, Navico APAC Sales Director.

“The event facilitates direct engagement with both our Australian OEM partners and dealers, as well as end consumers, and is instrumental in enabling us to showcase our integrated suites of marine electronics and power solutions that show how Navico Group’s innovation translates to better on water experiences for our customers.”

From veteran exhibitor, JSW Powersports comes the all-new 2024 Sea-Doo RXP-X 325, RXT-X 325 and GTR-X 300 which are the latest models in the Sea-Doo 2024 range. The popular Sea-Doo Switch which made its Australian debut last year, will return this year, sporting its exciting new colour way. Then there’s the perennial favourite aboard big boats and small, the dynamic, underwater diving craft, Seabob, with three different models and 16 colours to choose from.

For thrill-seekers, Fliteboard, pioneers in the electric hydrofoil, will present Flite Air and Flite Air Pro, launched in February at the Miami International Boat Show. Made of a solid riding platform with an inflatable deck, the new Flite Air and Flite Air Pro are easy to use, durable and lightweight, allowing significantly more people to enjoy Fliteboarding.

An Australian-first at SCIBS will be the launch of the innovative eLite electric outboard motor. Created for the tender and smaller boating market, the eLite represents a new era in clean, quiet and eco-friendly marine propulsion.

Luxury lifestyle

An enticing selection of prestigious luxury automotive brands will be on display, among them Bentley, Maserati, Lamborghini, BMW, Lotus, Aston Martin, and McLaren. Aviation company Jet Aviation will have its latest models on show.

As in previous years, there will be several ways of arriving at SCIBS 2024: by sea, air, car or ride share.

Visitors can park at Warner Bros’ Movie World, Oxenford, and take the complimentary shuttle bus to the gate. Cove Cruises will be running a ferry from Coomera Shores. Private vessels can anchor in the Coomera River and Volunteer Marine Rescue Southport will transport guests to and from the event for a gold coin donation.

And for a truly spectacular means of transport, book a helicopter transfer through Gold Coast Helitours which fly from Marina Mirage to Sanctuary Cove and enjoy views over the entire Gold Coast.

Summing up the entire gamut of experiences on offer at SCIBS 2024, Johan Hasser said the show will delight and entertain visitors with exhilarating moments and awe-inspiring displays.

“We are thrilled to be welcoming guests and exhibitors back to the beautiful location of Sanctuary Cove for our 35th edition,” he said.

“This year’s program of events promises something for everyone. As well as the incredible marine displays, the Marine Village precinct offers some of the Gold Coast’s best restaurants, cafés and bars, family friendly street entertainment and that brilliant atmosphere SCIBS is renowned for.”

Ocean Media will be on HI Arm, the connector to the Superyacht Marina. We invite you to visit our stand, take a look at our latest issue and enjoy some Ocean hospitality.

 

sanctuarycoveboatshow.com.au

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