Gold Coast show at 85% capacity with four months to go

Organisers of the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show (SCIBS), being staged in Queensland, Australia, from May 23-26, 2024, say the show is nearing capacity, with allocations to be confirmed in the coming weeks.

“With 85 per cent of exhibition space already booked, we are thrilled to play host to the industry’s finest,” says Mulpha Events general manager Johan Hasser. “We encourage businesses who still want to secure space to submit their applications now as we expect to finalise allocations in the coming weeks.

“SCIBS is where the marine business does business, and our exhibitors have a great track record in securing strong sales at the event. We’re extremely proud of our reputation as one of the leading showcases in the region for those in the marine sector.”

It’s the second SCIBS event post-Covid to welcome overseas visitors, after disruptions to the 2020, 2021 and 2022 editions.

Hasser says attendees should expect to see world-leading oceancraft make their debut. “We’re thrilled that many of the world’s foremost marine manufacturers are choosing SCIBS to launch their new products, with the announcement of many brands and models never before seen in Australia,” he continues.

Among the boats making their debut will be the FD80 from Horizon Yachts. Horizon Yachts Australia director Mark Western says it will attract the attention of those who imagine sailing the ocean in a vessel that balances style and space with superyacht amenities.

“SCIBS has always been our most successful Australian show,” says Western. “With our Australian headquarters based at Sanctuary Cove Marina, we can showcase a large range of Horizon models at SCIBS, which is a huge advantage.

“We’ve sold more boats in southeast Queensland than in any other state, and we sell more at SCIBS than at any other show. We very much expect someone local to purchase this amazing yacht, priced at $14.5m, because the market for us is here.”

Western adds that Horizon Yacht Australia also hopes to showcase a brand new FD90 with a full beam flybridge, great entertaining space, and a microbridge offering the best of both worlds.

Short Marine, one of Australia’s leading boat dealerships will bring their ‘greatest ever’ line-up to the marina at SCIBS, say Sam and Ryan Short, founders and directors of Short Marine.

“We’re excited to be introducing Chris Craft luxury day boats to the Queensland market. They will definitely be a stand-out and crowd favourite,” says Ryan Short. “Also debuting will be the show-stopping Viking 54 Convertible, along with our largest ever showcase of Grady-White boats and a variety of new Regal boats.

“We’re also extremely excited about our third year at Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, which just keeps getting bigger and better.”

Wynnum Marine is using SCIBS 2024 to debut two new boat brands to the Australian market, the Kingfisher Powercat and the stylish Yamarin boats.

“SCIBS is the perfect setting and show to be able to launch these boats,” says Johnny Milton, principal of Wynnum Marine Brisbane. “You get so many people through the door and such a large range of customers. Last year, we showcased the smaller Kingfisher boats, and we’re really happy with the follow-up in sales enquiries.”

SCIBS attendees can see the 6m+ Kingfisher Powercats, including a flagship hard top being built ready for SCIBS 2024, says Mr Milton. “These boats have unbelievable seaworthiness with superior stability, a wide beam and flat casting decks that means you can fish from all corners.”

Also on display will be the Yamarin 63 Daycruiser and the Cross 62BR.

“This high-quality brand brings unique European design and luxury style combined with the enviable reliability reputation of Yamaha outboard motors to Australian customers for the first time,” says Milton.

Sports Marine will launch the Nimbus Weekender W11 at SCIBS.

“SCIBS is our favourite show and year on year consistently proves fruitful for Sports Marine and our continued growth of the Nimbus Boats brand in Australia,” says Sports Marine marketing manager Jack Ludemann.

Early bird general admission tickets and the all-new Lagoon Beach Club VIP Experience tickets are on sale now, priced from A$30. Tickets can only be purchased online as there will not be a box office at the show.

Main image courtesy of Groupe Beneteau.