SCIBS 2022 in review

“SCIBS 2022 was the hottest ticket on the Gold Coast over the weekend, attracting a high-calibre audience that translated into resounding commercial success in terms of sales,” he said.

“The economic impact of SCIBS 2022 will continue to influence the event, tourism and marine sectors, fuelling sales, creating employment, generating tourism dollars and increasing visitor nights in the region.”

Specialising in catamarans and multihulls, Multihull Solutions Marketing Manager, Rachel Crook said the dealership had an incredible few days at SCIBS, welcoming a consistent flow of genuine buyers.

“We’ve seen sales across a number of models, both new and preowned, including the Neel Trimarans Neel 43, which had its Australian launch at SCIBS,” Ms Crook said.

“The show isn’t just about sales, it also gives us an opportunity to meet our clients and team members who have been stuck over borders throughout the pandemic.”

Graham Raspass, Director at Flagstaff Marine said “Overall, we’re very happy, despite disappointing weather. “We hosted the Australian premiere of the Excess 11 Groupe Beneteau Catamaran, the Swift Trawler 41 from the Beneteau power range, and the Lomax brand of RIB tenders.

“We have a number of strong leads and we’re looking forward to sales in the coming weeks. We had great feedback on all the vessels and we’re hosting an open day on Saturday at Hope Harbour Marina, where sea trials can be organised.”

Trent Gay, CEO at Gold Coast City Marina, said the weather may have been unfortunate, “but the true boater spirit was evident by the number and quality of visitors who attended the show.”

“We had some very good enquiry from both new and existing customers and have already made a number of bookings for marina and yard time. All our plans for the show worked well and we were able to connect with both the local community as well as visiting owners and captains.

“The show was executed very well and the contingencies for weather conditions worked. We also sponsored the Captains’ Lounge and we were very impressed with the results and experience. It proved to be a great place to create relationships and the rain meant we spent a little more time becoming friends.

“Once again, our partnership with Ocean Media proved to be a success,” he continued. “The Ocean team ran a professional and extremely valuable event and we are proud to be able to continue our relationship.”

Duncan Curnow, Director at Quality Marine Clothing said this year’s event was “one of the best ever” for them. “It rained and people headed to the pavilions, many of them to buy jackets! We had a sensational show and met lots of new people.”

Rowan McMahon from The Multihull Group, representing Axopar and Lagoon, said SCIBS 2022 was a success in terms of meeting with quality buyers.

“We had seven Axopars, a Brabus Shadow 900 and Pardo 38 on the marina and a Lagoon Seventy8 on show in front of the Lagoon Lounge. Over the course of the four days, we met plenty of new people. The rain did impede some people, but we’re confident of completing several sales post-show.”

The team from Analu did not exhibit this year, but attended with clients and perused the show each day. “It was actually a very good show – we met with many of our clients,” said Angela Burlizzi. “Palm Beach Motor Yachts, Ray White Marine, Sanlorenzo and Cantiere delle Marche – from their feedback, they had a great show.”

Geoff Lovett International had several vessels on the marina, including a 58 SeaRay, 58 Riviera, 54 custom sport fisher and 23-foot Arvor, around a 60-square-metre hospitality pontoon.

“It was an important branding exercise for us,” said Perry James, Director at GLI. “We had some good enquiry, particularly about Moonen which we represent, as well as Benetti and Baglietto. We were really happy with the quality clientele at the show.

“The rain on the weekend didn’t stop the genuine enquiries. It certainly slimmed down the numbers, but we had some interested parties keen to see the 84 Moonen and the 110.

“The 34M and 40M Oasis from Benetti has attracted a lot of enquiry. Benetti is a well-known brand in Australia. There was also some interest in the Baglietto Dom 133 which is new to the market.”

One of the most impressive stands at SCIBS was the Alexander Marine Australia precinct on the superyacht marina, showcasing the new Ocean Alexander 28 Explorer for its global launch at SCIBS.

With full hospitality lounge, flatscreens, a bar and even lithe ladies practising yoga on the foredeck, Alexander Marine Australia entertained owners, guests and VIPS at a spectacular party on Friday night to celebrate the unveiling of the next model in Ocean Alexander’s Explorer range.

Princess Yachts Australia hosted an Owners’ Lounge over the four days, with gourmet catering and the choice of Veuve Clicquot, Peroni on tap or Hentley Farm Wines, the décor provided by Dune Outdoor furniture.

“The feedback from our customers was that our hospitality was 6-star,” said Greg Haines, Dealer Principal.

“Sitting in the Lounge with customers, it was great to see everybody so happy, talking about what their next Princess is going to be. A lot of our clients are planning to travel to the factory in the UK to look at vessels over 80-feet. They really enjoyed the opportunity to meet other members of the Princess family.”

On the superyacht marina below, Princess displayed the V40, V55, F50, F55 and F62. From the factory Will Green, Chief Commercial Officer, Adam Assex Regional Director, Oceania, and Wilse Lo, Regional Director of Marketing for Princess, Oceania joined Greg and his team in welcoming owners and visitors to the stand.

“Because of the rain on Saturday, the serious boat buyers were out,” Greg observed. “The tenants in the Village said they had a great show as well, restaurants were full, boutiques sales were up.

“The rain didn’t impede anything; not the mood, not the show. We sold boats and we have a lot of follow up to do. It was a great event!”

Major partner Bentley Brisbane & Gold Coast celebrated a decade-long association with the Show, with the display of four custom cars specially commissioned for the occasion.

Bentley Brisbane & Gold Coast Group Marketing Manager Clinton Wright said the luxury marque was delighted to commemorate a significant anniversary with SCIBS.

“We’ve seen incredible uptake throughout the Show, with three new Bentleys sold as well as immense interest in our bespoke Bentley by Mulliner program, which saw more than 15 people meet with our onsite designers to customise their cars,” Clinton said.

Likewise, SCIBS sponsor Volvo Penta attracted interest in its innovative marine leisure engine and propulsion systems on The Promenade.

Head of Volvo Penta Martin Skoglund said “We were so excited to be back for another year at SCIBS as our stand presence continues to increase year on year. Overall, we’ve had a great turnout and have loved the opportunity to meet with customers, show support to our OEMs and further grow the Volvo Penta brand.”

Within the Pavilions, BLA, the boating, lifestyle and adventure experts, brought industry leading brands Minn Kota, Humminbird, Dometic Outdoor, CZone, Cannon, Mastervolt, Lewmar, BEP, Blue Sea Systems, JBL, OceanLED, Scanstrut and RAM Mounts as well as its BLA Marine Performance Series of products.

BLA also showcased two new training boats, the Hummingbird Formosa and Dometic Outdoor Powercat on The Marina at this year’s show.

BLA Marketing Manager James King said “We haven’t been to SCIBS since 2019 and it’s so exciting to find our way back on the boat show circuit.

“We have not only had interest and enquiries across our range of stocked brands, but the event has also been an opportunity to reenergise our staff as their hard work from the past two years starts to pay off.”

In an Australian event first, marine technology leaders Garmin displayed the new Garmin Livescope Plus System, Garmin Boat Switch and Garmin Surround View Camera System, which OEM Government and Commercial Manager for Australia and New Zealand Gordon Triplett said were received with enthusiasm.

“There is such an industry buzz with consumer demand for products and it’s great to see marine lifestyle lovers all gathered in one place at SCIBS – the atmosphere at this year’s event has been amazing,” he said.

Riviera showcased its largest fleet ever with 12 vessels on display, including three Australian premieres: the 4600 Sport Yacht Platinum Edition, 78 Motor Yacht and the exclusive reveal of the new 465 SUV model.

“Riviera welcomed many returning and new owners to our family with yachts purchased across the exceptional 24-model collection of sport yachts, SUV, sport motor yachts and motor yachts as part of the exclusive Riviera Festival of Boating held at our SCIBS display, ” Riviera Owner Rodney Longhurst said.

Maritimo had an exceptional reception for its three global exclusives, the M60 Flybridge Motor Yacht, M600 Offshore Flybridge and S600 Offshore Sedan, with a number of sales on the board.

Managing Director Tom Barry-Cotter said “It’s fantastic to have a show like SCIBS, especially for Australian manufacturers, to use as a platform to launch new models direct to serious buyers.”

Sanctuary Cove also saw the flow-on effects from the engaged audience with Mulpha General Manager for International Sales and Marketing John Hughes noting the sale of two apartments in the luxury Harbour One complex.

“We not only sold boats but properties, too,” Mr Hughes said. “We saw very strong interest in land and apartments throughout the Boat Show with a steady stream of buyers in our property showroom.”

Running from 19 to 22 May 2022, the 33rd Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show attracted more than 43,000 visitors and 337 exhibitors to showcase over 600 boats and 1,000 marine products across four days.

SCIBS returns for its 34th annual Boat Show from Thursday 25 to Sunday 28 May 2023.

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