Recap: Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show 2022
A highlight of the boating calendar, the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show is a must-do event for anyone interested in the marine scene.
Now in its 33rd year, the great success of the 2022 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show (SCIBS) is testament to the huge importance it holds for not only the boating community of the Gold Coast, but also those who flew in from interstate and overseas, including eager buyers from New Caledonia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea. Despite gloomy skies and persistent showers throughout the 4-day show – conditions that would signal the death knell of a lesser outdoor event – this show’s ticket office registered 43,852 visitors.
At this show they could find boats and engines of all sizes and kinds, electronics, anchoring systems, chandlery, refitting services, brokerage, portable extended-range fuel tanks, marine insurance, slipways and marinas, holiday destinations, marine Government departments, and everything else you can think of associated with the marine lifestyle.
Held this year from 19 to 22 May, the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show is like no other, an extensive exhibition attracting enthusiasts and buyers from all walks of life. Alongside the new and extensive undercover superyacht precinct you even found luxury cars on display – including Bentley, Lamborghini, Maserati, Ferrari, Aston Martin, and McClaren – plus new and second-hand helicopters!
The Show’s General Manager, Johan Hasser, said Mulpha’s continued investment in Sanctuary Cove, including the recent marina expansion, has allowed the Show to increase its footprint, attracting a record number of exhibitors. There were jet-powered sport boats that could barely fit two people, through to superyachts that can tour the world with an entire business entourage. This show had it all.
Showcase Of New Releases
Known to the industry as SCIBS, this show is also extremely important to the Australasian boating trade. Being the first big boat show of the calendar year, it is the stage upon which many of the year’s new releases are first presented. This year there were more than 1,000 products displayed, including 600 vessels, of which 251 boats were on water.
World premieres and Australian launches were presented by leading manufacturers including eYachts’ Axopar 22 range, Fleming Yachts’ Fleming 58, Jeanneau Yachts’ 60, Ocean Alexanders’ 28E, Horizon Yachts’ FD75 Skyline, Whitehaven’s 7000 Sports Yacht and Aquila 28 Molokai, Scimitar Power Catamarans’ 1010 Flybridge and Sedan cruisers, Leopard Catamarans’ L42 and L45 sailing catamarans, and the Cetera 60 Multispace Yacht, among many others.
Leading Australian luxury cruiser manufacturer Maritimo enjoyed an exceptional reception for its three global releases: the M60 Flybridge Motor Yacht, M600 Offshore Flybridge, and S600 Offshore Sedan – with several sales achieved. Managing Director Tom Barry-Cotter said the company had enjoyed record sales and forward orders, growing 25 per cent in recent years. “It’s fantastic to have a show like SCIBS – especially for Australian manufacturers – to use as a platform to launch new models direct to serious buyers,” he added.
Princess Yachts Australia also debuted a world premiere on water with its award-winning, upgraded F Class 55 Flybridge Yacht. Dealer Principal Greg Haines said, “SCIBS 2022 has been a fantastic event for Princess, with lots of interest in the brand and plenty of people attending despite the wet weather.”
With a company focus on boats ranging from 40 to 80ft, Riviera showcased its largest fleet ever with 12 vessels on display, including three Australian premieres: the 4600 Sport Yacht Platinum Edition, 78 Motor Yacht, and the exclusive reveal of the new 465 SUV model. Riviera owner Rodney Longhurst commented that their exclusive Riviera Festival of Boating, held at their SCIBS display, welcomed many returning and new owners to their family. The company is now offering workshops to give owners more confidence and skills to drive and run their boats.
Perry James of the specialist Gold Coast luxury motor yacht brokerage and charter company Geoff Lovett International also enjoyed a very successful Show, selling one of their displayed boats at the event, with more in the process. Perry and his GLI team were recently appointed the Australian agent for the Italian custom superyacht manufacturer Baglietto, for which they also received an enthusiastic reception.
Alan Whittley, Sales & Marketing Director for Victoria-based Whittley Boats, said this year’s SCIBS generated the brand’s strongest sales ever. “We were surprised with the number of people we had through, weather permitting, with particularly high sales across the larger CR sports cruiser series and SL performance fishing series models,” he commented.
Rachel Crook, the Marketing Manager for Multihull Solutions, who specialise in catamarans and multihulls, said the dealership had an incredible few days at SCIBS, welcoming a consistent flow of genuine buyers. “We’ve seen sales across a number of models, both new and preowned, including the Neel-Trimarans Neel 43, which had its Australian launch at SCIBS,” she said.
Sunpower Yachts Managing Director Grant Hudson was similarly impressed by the number of people through the doors, and the interest around the solar-powered technology on board their vessels. “It’s amazing to witness solid chatter in the industry around the move to solar electric technology, and we can’t wait to see what the next few years will bring,” he said.
Something For Everyone
Displays large and small lined every walkway and street throughout the Sanctuary Cove Village. There you found innovative products like the just-released all-terrain stainless-steel Boomer Anchor, featuring revolutionary blades that catch the bottom and then rotate to dig in at the optimum angle for holding power. Best of all, they incorporate a trip mechanism that collapses the anchor if it gets snagged on a rocky bottom, enabling you to retrieve it and continue on your way.
Another great product, released to the Australian public at this Show, was the Sionyx ‘Nightwave’ night-vision camera for boats. This small waterproof unit mounts on your boat’s bow, or under the hardtop overhang, linking to your dash display screen. There you see exceptional low-light vision of the path ahead, enabling you to see your surroundings and any navigational hazards in the dark. Amazingly, this unit retails for around one-third of the price of alternatives currently on the market.
Maintaining their philosophy of ‘easy boating’, Volvo Penta are always strong supporters of the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, and this year they showcased power solutions for both sailing and powerboats, including their innovative IPS system and their recently launched Assisted Docking system.
Shelter From The Rain
Within the two large, undercover Pavilions were an extensive range of displays showing the latest innovations in marine accessories. From navigation, fish-finding, autopilot, water-making, or communication systems, to chandlery, safety devices, and wet-weather clothing, these enormous tents contained it all – and provided a very popular escape whenever the heavens let loose another drenching.
Electronics companies including Simrad and Lowrance, Garmin, and Humminbird provided hands-on interactive displays backed-up by experts who were more than happy to guide you through their selection and use. With working simulators, it was an excellent opportunity for shoppers to actually use and learn about each offering before making an educated purchase.
Entertainment & Education
Local weatherman and fishing/outdoors TV identity Paul Burt gave fish cooking demonstrations each day on the main stage. Meanwhile, Brett Thomson stood atop the shipping container-sized glass Supertank, full of live barramundi, to give fishing demonstrations that showed exactly how fish react to various lure presentations – a spectacular and entertaining learning experience.
The Queensland Water Police displayed a large patrol boat on the marina, which you could go aboard to discover how their day-to-day operations keep the boating public safe. 
It was great to see whole families enjoying the Show. Kids of all ages were entertained by the many colourful roving street performers and musicians. And the Kids Zone offered a huge jumping castle and free face painting over the weekend. This year’s Show also introduced native Aussie animal shows, presented by the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.
Don't Miss It Next Year
Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show returns for its 34th annual Boat Show from Thursday 25 to Sunday 28 May 2023. See you there!