Growth signs
Superyacht growth has spearheaded the economic contribution of the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show.
22 May 2021
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The 32nd edition of the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show has proved to be an irresistible drawcard for boating aficionados who’ve been looking forward to the physical showcase of the boating industry’s latest wares.
Crowds have been soaking up the Queensland sunshine, embracing the opportunity to inspect in-situ nearly 200 exciting motor and sailing yachts from dozens of famous brands.
Organisers of the premium nautical event have projected a 10–15 percent rise in visitor numbers from the pre-COVID 2019 edition of SCIBS. Around 50,000 people are expected to flock to the special marine precinct at Sanctuary Cove during the four days of the show that wraps up on Sunday.
Queensland Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development Steven Miles opened SCIBS on Thursday and announced a sizeable new investment in the Queensland yachting industry in the form of superyacht simulation technology.
A dozen superyachts representing both charter and brokerage opportunities are flying the flag for the industry on a dedicated new on-water section in the bustling marina basin.
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Head of Burgess Australia Chris Santon praised the superyacht hub as a fantastic initiative in driving growth in the region.
“It’s certainly been very, very active,” he revealed. “There’s definitely an increased appetite for yachting and yacht chartering.
He says 2020 ended up being an extremely positive year for Burgess, an industry leader in brokerage and charter for large superyachts.
“One of our best-performing charter yachts in 2020 was a foreign flagged yacht we had on our books here in Australia. So when travel opens up again that desire to come to Australia’s safe and clean waters will only increase.”
Those looking for their next boat have been spoilt for choice at SCIBS, with a number of world premieres including Riviera’s highly accomplished 645 SUV from the Australian luxury boat builder, as well as Maritimo’s M55 and S55, BENETEAU Antares 11, Saxdor Yachts 320 GTO, and the Asia–Pacific premiere of the Dufour Yachts 470.
The economic contribution of this year’s event to the Queensland economy through tourism, employment and direct spending is tipped to hit $336 million, a major post-COVID boost to the State’s coffers and a pointer to the marine industry’s growing maturity and importance.
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