Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show helps re-float Australian marine firms

 

THE ACTIVITY at the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show heartened Australia’s recovering commercial marine industries over the weekend. By day three, sales had surged towards $20 million as marine enthusiasts were greeted to spectacular weather on the Gold Coast and more than 300 motivated exhibitors.

Official visitor figures confirmed a 20 percent increase in people through the gate to last year, with close to 20,000 visitors on Thursday and Friday, traditionally viewed as quieter ‘trade’ days. 

“From a sales perspective, this is one of the best boat shows we’ve had in some years,” said Mulpha Sanctuary Cove head of events Johan Hasser.

“The boating industry ebbs and flows with economic conditions and the upward curve we’ve experienced at this year’s show reflects wider economic improvement. 

“There’s no doubt the atmosphere is great, that is the resounding feedback from both visitors and exhibitors.”

Rachel Haynes of Multihull Solutions said the company had an extremely successful show, noting a positive change in the market.

“There’s no doubt this year is better than last,” Ms Haynes said.

Multihull Solutions has sold a Fountaine Pajot Hélia 44 for $925,000 and two syndicate shares in another of the same model, worth $162,000.

“We’re also expecting to seal the deal on a Mahé 36 tomorrow,” she said on the Saturday.

While there was movement at the top end of the market, with a string of multi-million dollar deals from luxury brands Maritimo and Riviera, the trailer boat and personal watercraft sectors also proved strong.

JSW Powersports, which had jet skis available from $7,700, eclipsed its sales result from the 2013 Boat Show, clearing 20 units in the first three days.

“And we sold most of our units on Sunday last year, so we’re in good stead to smash our sales record,” said dealer principal Jeff McNiven. “There’s a great atmosphere this year, people are here to buy.”

Alan Whittley, from Whittley Marine Group, was at the show with dealer Northside Marine and echoed the sentiment that 2014 was overall a stronger event.

Whittley launched its 2600 and SL 26 models at the show, and already had several sales runs on the board by Saturday and “bulging” quote pads. 

“We’ve got a high profile position so that has delivered a lot of foot traffic,” Mr Whittley said.

“More importantly, we’ve been able to convert enthusiastic browsers into buyers which is ultimately what the Boat Show is all about.”

The champagne was flowing on the marina at Integrity Motor Yachts, with new owners Russell and Kim Dah taking the keys to their Aspire Motor Yachts 45 Sedan.

Integrity Motor Yachts managing director Brett Flanagan said the show had presented great leads and the hand-over was a great start to the weekend.

The unseasonably warm weather was a blessing for Telic, which sold 400 pairs of its thongs and flip flops by Saturday.

Gold Coast resident Leanne Harris walked away from the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show with a $50,000 Ultimate Boating Experience win, courtesy of Maritimo and 92.5 Gold FM. Ms Harris and three friends will taste the Sanctuary Cove boating lifestyle, spending four nights at the InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort and their days aboard a skippered and fully catered 58ft Maritimo.

SCIBS is a key event on the national and international marine industry calendar and has injected millions of dollars into the Gold Coast economy over the past 25 years with last year’s show generating more than $148 million. Figutes have not been released for the 2014 event yet.

www.sanctuarycoveboatshow.com

ends

POSTED MAY 26, 2014.