First wave of big names boating brands quick to secure space at SCIBS 2016.

LEADING marine and boating brands have rushed to take advantage of Early Bird incentives and reserve space at the 28th Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show (SCIBS), to be held May 19 to 22, 2016.

 

Bookings are already up 20 percent on this time last year as exhibitors say they are confident of a bumper show in 2016, off the back of strong sales at SCIBS 2015 and improving consumer confidence ahead of the summer season.

The announcement of new layouts and additions to the program including themed precincts ‘The Boatyard’ – a dedicated exhibition space for sports, ski boats and trailerable craft – and ‘Supercar Street’, which will feature a spectacular automotive display, have significantly buoyed interest for the 2016 Show.

A mix of long-term exhibitors and new brands are already confirmed including Horizon Motor Yachts Australia, Multihull Solutions, Fleming Yachts Australia, Integrity Motor Yachts, Leigh-Smith Yachts representing Alaska Motor Yachts, Elandra Yachts, JSW Powersports, Sirocco Marine North, All Marine Spares, Raymarine, Muir, Dometic/Seabreeze, Sunbrella and many more.

SCIBS general manager Johan Hasser said exhibitors have been quick to take up the Early Bird incentives under a new rate structure and were getting in early to secure prime positions.

“The Boat Show team is very pleased with the uptake so far and we’re thrilled with the interest in the new precincts, as well as feedback on the improved layout,” Mr Hasser said.

“We continue to receive feedback from our exhibitors and stakeholders regarding SCIBS and have put together a Show plan for 2016 which we believe all will benefit from greatly, and visitors will love.”

Additional changes to SCIBS 2016 will see the Superyacht & Marine Pavilion relocate alongside the Main Pavilion, encouraging even more foot traffic through an engaging display of Australian-made products, global service providers and the latest gear and gadgets: nav equipment, propellers, pontoons, interior items and marinas offering berths for lease or sale.

Loyal SCIBS exhibitor Multihull Solutions were among the first to book space on the marina, with managing director Mark Elkington saying the team planned to have a broad range of catamarans – both power and sail on show in 2016.

“The Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show continues to be one of the most important and successful annual events for Multihull Solutions,” Mr Elkington said.

“The Show attracts huge visitor numbers who are typically informed and genuine buyers looking to browse and compare the extensive range of boats and products on display.

“The professional organisation always makes it a pleasure for us to plan and showcase our new and pre-owned multihulls, and our team enjoys the vibrant marina atmosphere as much as the visitors.

“In 2016, we look forward to presenting some very exciting new models at the Show, and expect it to be another extremely successful event for Multihull Solutions.”

Michael Trickey, Queensland sales manager for Muir Engineering Group said SCIBS was acknowledged as “the meeting place of trade and boating enthusiasts”, and a must-do for the company.

“In 2016 we will have a range of new products, including composite fibre housings on our horizontal winches, upgrades to our vertical winches, and design changes across the board,” he said.

“We have six people on the stand, showing our products and networking. Another excellent feature of SCIBS is that everything is in one place: you have accommodation close by, entertainment, restaurants and a really good vibe.”

Damien Weber, general manager at Raymarine said SCIBS was an excellent launch platform for the year ahead and an opportunity to showcase new products in the Raymarine range.

“SCIBS aligns very well with the Raymarine product portfolio, catering for cruising, fishing and sail boat owners of all sizes,” he said.

“The Village atmosphere and dual marina and hall aspect facilitates a great environment to engage with customers.”

In 2016, Mr Weber promised Raymarine will have its full range of electronics on display including an exciting assortment of new products.

Gold Coast local JSW Powersports was awarded the biggest selling Sea-Doo retailer in the world in 2015, an accolade director, Jeff McNiven believes is due to consistent marketing and an appetite for personal watercraft (PWC).

“SCIBS is a great show for us, we always sell a lot of product,” Mr McNiven said.

“In 2016, we will be in the same place – on Masthead Way, a high traffic zone near the entrance. We will have all new models and some of the Seafox sportfishing boats and possibly, the 30-foot Aloha pontoon boat.”

Headquartered on the Gold Coast, Australian luxury motor yacht marque Elandra Yachts are eager to add to their lead list from 2015, particularly with visiting New Zealanders who appreciated the Elandra product.

“In 2016, we will display the Elandra 53 Sport Yacht, which is destined for the US next year,” said Elandra managing director Luke Durman.

“There’s no other boat show like it in the world. It has its own style. It’s held at a great time of year, ideal for promoting boating. It’s the end of the boating season, people are starting to think about next year.

“The weather is good, and Sanctuary Cove is a great destination for interstate guests to make a weekend of it. We found a lot of New Zealand visitors and Victorians who were definitely in the market. SCIBS is a great lifestyle show. It’s relaxed, a perfect atmosphere – a great place to buy a boat!”

Another stalwart marque familiar to SCIBS visitors is Fleming Yachts, which has been exhibiting at SCIBS since launching in Australia in 2000.

Manager Sam Nicholas said SCIBS was among the top three most significant shows Fleming Yachts attends in Australia each year – SCIBS, Sydney, then Mandurah.

“We always look forward to Sanctuary Cove. In 2016, Fleming will celebrate 30 years, so it will be an important show for us,” Mr Nicholas said.

“We will have hull number 236 of the Fleming 55 on show, which was built to order, like all our boats, and delivered to her new owner in August. There are currently 16 Fleming yachts in Australia and we hope to add more to that each year.

“Buying a luxury passage-maker is not a spur of the moment decision, and exhibiting at SCIBS is important to keep the brand top of mind with people doing their research. SCIBS is all about sowing the seeds and meeting potential clients. It’s a two-year decision process in some cases and we enjoy meeting our future owners at this stage of their journey.”

With new owners at the helm, Horizon Motor Yachts Australia will have a large on-water display at the 2016 Show,  exclusively showcasing the Yacht Controller in the Superyacht Pavilion, as well launching the anticipated Horizon E56 XO – their first ever sports style motor yacht.

Marketing manager Erica Rae said the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show is one of the biggest and most important events on the Horizon Yachts calendar.

“We find SCIBS attracts people from all over Australia and New Zealand, with clients travelling from Perth, Auckland, Adelaide and even Darwin, just to come and see what new models we have available,” she said.

“Compared to other shows we find most of our clientele come to the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show even if they aren’t looking to buy anything; they love the atmosphere and excitement of the Show and love to catch up on the latest models we have on offer.”

Also based in the Sanctuary Cove Marine Village, Leigh-Smith Yachts will be presenting the latest Alaska 43 and 49 Sedan models, along with a selection of late-model luxury brokerage motor yachts.

“Sanctuary Cove is our home base, and we think SCIBS is the most prestigious show in the country. The Village lifestyle and marina allow boats to be showcased in their natural habitat. Sanctuary Cove is where the high-net worth boat buyers come to rest and play.

“SCIBS is an important lead generation exercise for us and the ideal place to display new products, future products and reconnect with clients.

“In 2016, we will launch our new showroom and facilities at SCIBS – a full multi-media design facility for designing clients’ dream motor yachts.”

Integrity Motor Yachts is also looking forward to their biggest show of the year, presenting the brand new 460 Sedan, recently nominated in the European Boat of the Year Awards in the displacement category.