As day three dawns, exhibitors and visitors are thrilled with the variety, innovation and chance to reconnect at SCIBS 2023.
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After talk of the best winter weather in the show’s history, the topics of most conversations are the sheer numbers of motor yachts, sailing craft, accessories, gear and equipment on show this year.
The 34th Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, 25 to 28 May, features 300 exhibitors, 700-plus boats, and over 1,000 marine products, from the latest nav tools and toys, to apparel, destinations, anchors and interior items.
According to Boat Show Manager, Johan Hasser, this year’s event is the launch pad for more than 100 new products – a show record.
Various international brands from Brazil, Italy, France, Asia and the US, have sent representatives to SCIBS 2023, including Baglietto, Highfield Boats, Zodiac, OKEAN and Dometic – all praising the location and diversity of the event.
Among the largest displays, Horizon Yacht Australia has 13 vessels on show, worth $150 million in what is the largest ever global showcase of Horizon motor yachts. The team from Horizon have sold two vessels over two days and are hosting the official launch of the V74 on Saturday night.
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“It’s so wonderful to be back travelling to visit our team in Australia,” said Laurie Louvier, VP of Marketing for Dometic, based in Illinois.
Gabriele Ferlazzo, Sales Director for the Zodiac Nautic Group attended SCIBS with Sirocco Marine who represent the French brand in Australia. This is the first time at an Australian boat show that Zodiac RIBS have appeared in such numbers – a total of 20 Zodiac RIBS on show, from 3 to 9-metres, including the Australian launch of the all-new Medline 9.
“The best thing about this boat show is the location, and the weather. It’s been beautiful,” said Gabriele, who’s based in Italy. “In winter there, nobody is thinking about boating and enjoying the water!
“Sanctuary Cove is so beautiful and everybody is excited to think about holidays and pleasure, so they are more excited to embrace the products.”
When it comes to Zodiac boats on show, Gabriele said they are very happy with the response. “There has been a lot of interest in the bigger boats in the Medline range – the 6.8 and the new 9 model, which the Sirocco team has sold – which is great news!”
Greg Haines, Dealer Principal at Princess Australia said he’s over the moon with the first three days.
“We had more people through than ever on the Thursday. Everybody is very keen to see the new Y72 which they unanimously say is next level in terms of craftsmanship and all the details – and that’s from our competitors!”
Princess Australia hosted a massive owners’ event on Friday night, a 20s themed evening with dancers and a chanteuse flown up from Sydney for the occasion. Joining Greg and his team were Will Green, Princess COO and Adam Essex, Regional Manager for Asia-Pacific.
“They all thought it was epic,” said Greg, who is looking forward to a hectic weekend showing visitors through the Princess models on display.
Luis Henrique Ferreira from OKEAN in Brazil, flew in on day 2 of SCIBS for the Australian debut of the OKEAN 52 Flybridge.
Impressed by the atmosphere and the depth and breadth of vessels on-water, “Ike” as he’s known cured his jetlag with a rousing display of Samba, capoeira and Brazilian food to celebrate the brand’s launch down under with dealer, Nautical Imports from Victoria.
Sunseeker Australia East Coast Dealer Principal, Brad Rodgers said the visitor traffic had been “steady and good quality” and he is confident of a sale.
“We are exhibiting the Manhattan 55 and we’re very happy with the feedback. There’s been a constant flow of people over the first two days and today is already full on. We have plenty of good leads so it’s positive all round.”
John Hogan, CEO at Superior Jetties was thrilled with the weather and the quality of visitors the sunshine brought out.
“People are very positive, they’re buying boats and enquiring about pontoons and other options for storing them. We are very pleased with the level of enquiry,” he said.
SCIBS 2023 runs until Sunday 28 May. Tickets are only available online.
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