BOAT SHOWS - Action-packed activities at Sanctuary Cove show

Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show (SCIBS) is set to dazzle with both marine and entertainment stars as part of the May program, organisers said.

More than 70 world and Australian marine-product launches are confirmed with a month to go before the four-day event starts on Thursday, May 19.

Some of the on-water stars include the world release of the Alaska 60ft Pilothouse Yacht-Fisher and the Alaska 46 Flybridge mid-cabin; the world release of Coral Sea Marine’s new 55ft power catamaran; and Horizon Motor Yachts Australia’s world launch of the Horizon Q70 Elegance.

Other crowd pleasers include the new Endurance 680 by Hampton Yachts and the Hampton 630 Skylounge, while Princess Yachts Australia features a range of vessels including the Princess 64 and 72 Motor Yacht.

It is part of a multi-million dollar display by more than 360 exhibitors at the Gold Coast event staged 9am to 5pm daily from Thursday, May 19 to Sunday, May 22.

Sanctuary Cove general manager events and marketing, Sue Thomson said this year’s boosted entertainment program should keep crowds further entertained.

“Channel Seven personalities and My Kitchen Rules contestants will make appearances at the Show and the Women on Water program is expected to draw interest,” said Thomson.

The Women on Water program features High Tea on the High Seas with a light lunch, bubbles and entertainment aboard The Sun Goddess, fashion displays and a range of sessions including Cooking Onboard Your Boat and How to Interior Decorate Your Boat.

Women can book for the Skipper Training sessions conducted by Queensland Marine Training Services’ Tricia Wheeler. She has a Master Class 5, Master Class 4 (restricted) and Marine Engine Driver 2 qualifications and has worked for many years in the marine industry. Some of her career highlights include being onboard the mark and start boats for the America’s Cup in Fremantle in 1986; working in Monkey Mia on wildlife cruises and being part of the crew in the inaugural Brisbane-Osaka yacht race. She has taught recreational sailing for more than 17 years.

This year’s daily Marine Queensland fishing and boating seminars are included within the Boat Show entry ticket. Confirmed fishing speakers include Jason Comino, Dave Downie, Mike Delisser, Rob Smith, Shannon Watson and Paul O’Leary.

“At this point, exhibition pavilions and hardstand spaces are fully booked out,” said Thomson, adding there are close to 130 vessels on-water confirmed as at April.

Within the sail sector, exhibitors include Sri Lankan company Barramundi Boatyard promoting its Barramundi 470 FAST; Ausail Marine Group’s debut of the Catalina 445 and 355 in the Australian market; the Australian launch of the Beneteau First 30; and the national launch of the Cornish Crabber Shrimper 19. Sailchutes Australia is launching the first Sailchute designed for sailing vessels while DeckHardware is launching a range of sailing products including Liros SK90 100 per cent Dyneema rope, PROtect tapes and the Walder boom brake.

Powerboat releases include the Australian launch of the Flying Fish Hovercraft; Honda Australia’s range of Honwave inflatable boats; the Coastal Gypsy 36 by Maritime Coastal Cruisers; and exhibitor Sirocco Marine’s showcase of Williams 285, 325 and 385 Jet Tenders released in Australia.

Twin Disc is offering on-water demonstrations of its Express Joystick System (EJS) within the Sea Trial display.

New accessories and marine products released at the Show include the world launch of Anchor Right Australia’s Excel Super Duty anchor; BLA’s launch of its new range of Geonav navigational technology and Hella Australia’s release of the Ponui reading Lamp and Sea Hawk series of LED deck lamps on the Australian market. Lewmar Barlow Marlow along with Harrold Marine Wholesale are launching two products on the Australian market — Lewmar’s HTX Block Range and CPX Windlass.

As in past years, SCIBS says an International Business Lounge will operate to assist international buyers and businesses to network and make valuable contacts with Australian companies. This facility is provided through a partnership between the Queensland Government’s Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation (DEEDI), Austrade, the Gold Coast City Council (Business GC), the Australian International Marine Export Group (AIMEX), Superyacht Australia, Superior Jetties, and Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show.

SCIBS online ticket prices are $22 one-day adult; $19 one-day concession; $40 two-day adult; and $75 four-day adult. Children 14 years and under have free entry. Organisers said VIP packages are now available including luxury accommodation and helicopter transfers.

For full details of all programs including the timetable for Marine Queensland Fishing and Boating Seminars; Women on Water program (some elements require booking or paid tickets); new products released at the Show and details of the Friday Australian Marine Industry Breakfast, log on www.sanctuarycoveboatshow.com.au