It has been another amazing day at the 2014 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, with the buses full of visitors from all over the region, and according to exhibitors, from all over the country as well as New Zealand. In the Superyacht & Marine Pavilion the traffic has been constant and quality, despite the beautiful weather, which usually finds people heading outdoors.
SCIBS 2014 Day 3
“I have noticed a good strong turnout of people from Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and New Zealand, all saying this is a great time of year to visit Queensland and come to SCIBS,” says Bob Charleston, director at PTI, which is here representing the Boat Stabilizer Anti-Rolling Gyro.
The product, manufactured by Japanese company, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in their aerospace division is designed to work better than its competitors. “It’s simple, robust, low maintenance. It relies on the same technology as those they used in the international space station.”
All the way from Auckland, Bob says SCIBS is the ideal means of getting the brand out to end users, boat owners, and the boat builder market. “It’s about awareness, letting people know there are 3,300 of these in boats worldwide.” This is his first SCIBS and he’s elated. “Where else can you go to a trade show in a place like this?” he says, looking out over the marina with perfect, clear blue skies above.
All the way from Sweden for SCIBS this year, Johannes Rask, sales and project manager for the Humphree brand of trim and stabilisation systems says he is impressed with the boat show. “It’s a friendly show, lots of things to see and yes, the weather is incredible!”
David Murray, director of Ultimate Marine Power, distributor of the Humphree product, has been to about 16 SCIBS over the years, and four with his own company. “SCIBS is a good value show, you do get your return on investment. This year is a quality crowd and we are very pleased with the enquiries.” As David explains, the company has a three tiered approach to marketing the product, so SCIBS is the ideal platform. “We target the end user, naval architects and boat builders so brand awareness and explaining the product at this show is very important to us.”
Rachel Haynes of Multihull Solutions says the company has had an extremely successful show, noting a positive change in the market. “There’s no doubt this year is better than last,” she said, referring to the sale of a Fountaine Pajot Hélia 44 for $925,000 and two syndicate shares in another of the same model, worth $162,000.
(L-R) Brenda and Brett Flanagan from Integrity Motor Yachts and Kim and Russel Dahl
“We’re also expecting to seal the deal on a Mahé 36 tomorrow.”
JSW Powersports, which has jet skis available from $7,700, has already eclipsed its sales result from the 2013 Boat Show, clearing 20 units in three days. “And we sold most of our units on Sunday last year, so we’re in good stead to smash our sales record,” says dealer principal Jeff McNiven. “There’s a great atmosphere this year, people are here to buy.”
Alan Whittley, from Whittley Marine Group, is at the Show with dealer Northside Marine and echoed the sentiment that 2014 is overall a stronger Show.
Whittley has launched its 2600 and SL 26 models at the show, and already has several sales runs on the board and “bulging” quote pads.
“We’ve got a high profile position so that has delivered a lot of foot traffic,” says Alan.
“More importantly, we’ve been able to convert enthusiastic browsers into buyers which is ultimately what the Boat Show’s all about.”
The 2014 Boat Show showcases a wide variety of international boating brands, products and technologies on display alongside the superb backdrop of the award-winning Sanctuary Cove marina and The Marine Village.
Tickets are on sale now online and at the gate. Adult day passes are $25, with concession passes available for seniors and students. Children under 18 are free.
In 2014, SCIBS has teamed up with Translink to provide free train travel for all pre-paid ticket holders for travel to and from the show.
Visitors to SCIBS are entitled to free train travel on all regular Queensland Rail City Network trains when they display a pre-purchased ticket to the event, along with accessing the free ‘Park ‘n’ Ride’ services from Helensvale.
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.
At the heart of the community is the Marine Village – Sanctuary Cove’s very own waterfront commercial, retail and dining precinct, with more than 80 tenancies.
