EXTRA: Sanctuary Cove boat show energises marine manufacturing

EXTRA: THE SALE of three locally manufactured Maritimo motor yachts for $2 million each capped off one of the most successful Sanctuary Cove International Boat Shows (SCIBS) in recent years, reinvigorating the luxury boat building sector.

Luxury manufacturer Riviera also clocked up several multi-million dollar deals on its own locally-made vessels. Amazingly, Maserati sealed the deal on four luxury cars, worth a combined $1.5 million, at the boat show.

Clipper Motor Yachts had the largest on-water display at this year’s show and held the world premiere of the Hudson Bay 32, priced at $329,000.

But their sales and inquiries were in the $1.2 million to $1.8 million range, according to managing director Brett Thurley.

“It’s the bigger boats, in the 50 to 60 foot range which are attracting the most attention this year,” Mr Thurley said. “In a number of instances we’ve dealt with existing owners upgrading.”

Multihull Central director Brent Vaughan, who was at his 14^th SCIBS, saw the return of some long term customers this year.

“We’re in the heart of catamaran territory on the Gold Coast so we’ve had a lot of local interest,” Mr Vaughan said. “It’s made for some great leads throughout the four days.

“We’ve set up some sea trials for next week so the hope is that will flow through to sales.”

Leigh-Smith Cruiser Sales, which has exhibited at the Show since its inception and will soon relocate its base from Gold Coast City Marina to Sanctuary Cove’s Marine Village, has also witnessed some repeat inquiry.

“We’ve planted a few seeds and we’re hoping to harvest the fruit later,” said dealer principal Dean Leigh-Smith. Mr Leigh-Smith said it was important for his company to have a presence at the show each year, recalling a recent deal he closed with a client he met at SCIBS in 2009.   

In the trailer boat segment, Collins Marine had two of its Arvor boats on show – the Weekender and the launch of the Sportsfish 605.

“It’s been solid for us today, much better than last year,” said Peter Collins. “The show is better organised, better laid out this year. It has really worked for us.”

Daniel Souvleris from JD’s Boatshed in New South Wales sealed the deal on a Glastron GT185 for around $50,000 on the final day.

“We’ll get a lot out of the show in terms of sales leads – you can live off it for 12 months,” Mr Souvleris said.

Boaties are also seeing syndication as a good way to enter the market, with Boating Syndication Australia selling six shares in a Riviera 44 and further two shares in a Riviera M360 at the show.

Club Marine, major sponsor of the 2014 SCIBS, made the most of its high-profile location on the main thoroughfare to the Marinas.

“We’re in a great spot, right near the big boats. Everyone who wants to buy wants to know what insurance is going to cost them,” said Club Marine spokesperson Gaven Paterson.

“This year has been a marked improvement on last year – we’ve had a lot of genuine inquiry.”

Mulpha Sanctuary Cove head of events Johan Hasser said while they noted a marked increase in visitor numbers, the true barometer of success was exhibitor sales.

“The general consensus has been very favourable and exhibitors are thrilled with strong sales and leads throughout the four days of Boat Show,” Mr Hasser said.

“There has been a big change in sentiment this year, they’re genuinely out to buy.

“Bringing an event of this magnitude together is a 12-month operation and the hard work of the team has really paid off this year.”

Mulpha Sanctuary Cove executive general manager Keith Allardice said SCIBS would continue to be Sanctuary Cove’s flagship event.

“It’s been excellent to showcase the unique Sanctuary Cove lifestyle to visitors and exhibitors from all over Australia and overseas once again this year,” Mr Allardice said.

“It’s a key event on the international Boat Show calendar and will continue to be so for years to come.”

SCIBS is a leading event on the national and international marine industry calendar and has injected millions of dollars into the Gold Coast economy over the past 25 years with last year’s show generating more than $148 million.

The $A2 billion Sanctuary Cove, located on the northern Gold Coast, is Australia’s leading and most successful master-planned community.

Featuring two 18 hole championship golf courses, a 300 berth marina, five-star InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort, Country Club including full fitness centre, tennis courts and 25m swimming pool, Sanctuary Cove is also home to some of the most diverse waterfront, golf course fronting or hilltop residential house and land options on the Gold Coast. 

Next year’s 27^th Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show will run from May 21-24, 2015.

www.sanctuarycoveboatshow.com.au

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POSTED JULY 23, 2014.