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Splendid anniversary

Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show (SCIBS) has officially launched its milestone 30th anniversary showcase, to be held from 24 to 27 May, 2018.

20 November 2017

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From 21 November, marine brands are invited to join the 2018 edition of the southern hemisphere’s premier marine event, home to a stellar display of the latest products and innovations in one spectacular location.

SCIBS general manager Johan Hasser said the team was thrilled to be planning a massive Show for 2018, buoyed by the spirit of exhibitors already working towards their displays for the landmark 30th year.

“30 years is a milestone we are proud and excited to share with our exhibitors, sponsors and supporters across the industry,” said Mr Hasser.

“From 100-plus exhibitors in 1989, to the world-class showcase it is today with more than 300 quality exhibitors from Australia, New Zealand and Asia, plus visitors from around the world, it’s fair to say we’ve come a long way.”

As well as attracting upwards of 40,000 visitors, SCIBS has grown to become one of the most important B2B events on the Australian boating calendar, hosting international delegations from every continent in the wake of the ASMEX conference and thanks to the support of the Gold Coast City Council and the Queensland Government.

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Barry Jenkins, or “Mr Boat Show”, remains actively involved to this day as the charismatic ambassador for SCIBS and in his role with AIMEX-Superyacht Australia.

Boating industry legend and founder of Maritimo Bill Barry-Cotter was among the first exhibitors at the inaugural Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show in 1988 and remains one of the Show’s strongest supporters.

“We have been involved from the outset and I believe it is the best boat show when you consider all its elements, including the location and all that Sanctuary Cove has to offer visitors,” Mr Barry-Cotter said.

Northside Marine’s dealer principal Greg Nickerson is a 29-year veteran of SCIBS and said he was thrilled to be a part of the 30th anniversary of such an iconic event.

“We have been established for 52 years in Brisbane, so SCIBS has been a vital showcase for us and the brands we represent exclusively in Queensland, such as Whittley, Surtees and Stabicraft to reach our Gold Coast customers,” Mr Nickerson said.

“SCIBS has evolved as the marine industry has evolved, catering to our changing needs and always supporting Northside Marine to enable us to put on our best presentation each year.”

Superior Jetties CEO John Hogan is another foundation SCIBS exhibitor and will also be celebrating 30 years in operation next year, having carved out a global reputation for floating solutions for marina construction, floating pontoons, jet ski docks and boat lifts.

Mr Hogan said across the past three decades, SCIBS had grown in stature and importance to the boating and broader marine industries.

“It has grown to have more lifestyle impact with cars, leisure products, food and boutique shopping all playing a part of The Marine Village atmosphere that makes it one of the world’s great boat shows,” Mr Hogan said.

“SCIBS has a strong international reputation, which has allowed us to show our wares to potential export clients on the water.”

Dean and Ryan Leigh-Smith are third generation boaties, who have grown up with Sanctuary Cove as their “backyard” their entire lives.

In 2018, the Leigh-Smith family will be celebrating its 54th year in the business, and they promise a sensational display that will showcase over $12 million in boats.

“I hope to see all the people both past and present who have made it an amazing event in attendance and recognised for their great work in getting to 30 years,” he said.

sanctuarycoveboatshow.com.au

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