NEWS - Sanctuary Cove Boat Show Defies Gloom

This weeks 21st Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show opening this Thursday (May 21) has attracted the fourth highest exhibitor tally on record, an astounding feat in the current uncertain economic climate.

The four-day show is one of the largest shows in Australasia in exhibitor terms and has maintained its status as a significant marine event.

South Korean Vice-Governor for Political Affairs Gyeongnam Province Sang Kun Ahn will officially open the Show on Thursday as he leads a delegation of 18 South Koreans.

They represent just one of a range of groups of international buyers and delegations from countries such as India, Taiwan, China, United Arab Emirates and the Philippines confirmed for the Show.

“Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show formed a strategic alliance with Yacht and Boat Korea,” said Sanctuary Cove’s Events and International Relations manager Barry Jenkins.

“Vice-Governor Ahn’s attendance shows the truly global nature of the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show,” said Mr Jenkins who confirmed the Sanctuary Cove event had attracted exhibitors from New Zealand, the US, Taiwan and Italy.

As in past years, the Show is an important part of the marine sector’s international and national marketing.

This year, more than 100 world and Australian marine product launches are confirmed ranging from multi-million dollar super yachts through to sail boats, trailerable craft, marine products, engines and accessories.

Displays are showcased at Sanctuary Cove’s marina, in expanded pavilions and through the waterfront Marine Village streets.

“There are some spectacular luxury vessels at the Show including the Australian debut of the Sunseeker 34m valued at $A23 million; the world debut of Allan Barnett Motor Yachts’ High Seas 63ft; and boats seen for the first time in Australia such as the Seahorse 52 Pilot House Motor Yacht, the Salthouse 65Q and the Outer Reef 63,” said Mr Jenkins.

“There are also world releases from a range of Australian manufacturers such as Maritimo, The Haines Group (Signature), Montebello Yachts and Markham Marine which shows the tenacity of the industry,” said Mr Jenkins who also holds a position as President of the Australian Marine Industries Federation.

“Many companies have their international executives visiting the Show as well,” said Mr Jenkins.

But it is not all serious business. This year, the Show now offers free entry for children aged 14 years and under. There is daily street entertainment with roving musicians and visual comedic performers plus radio broadcasts and cooking demonstrations.

The Show, a member of the prestigious International Federation of Boat Show Organisers is staged by Sanctuary Cove from Thursday, May 21 to Sunday, May 24 from 9am to 5pm daily.

Online general admission prices are the same as 2008 at $A22 for adults and $A19 concession. This year, free entry for children has been extended to those aged 14 years and under. A Two Day pass will be available for $A40. The online pre-purchased tickets offer a small discount over the event day entry prices of $A23 adult and $A20 concession. Conditions apply.

There is no on site public parking at the Show. Visitors can choose park ‘n’ ride, water transport by water taxi or ferry, limousine or taxi drop off or helicopter drop off. View: www.sanctuarycoveboatshow.com.au

Valued sponsors for the 2009 event include Tradeaboat.